John Papa Gros

The Two Way Street

Being there in person is the ultimate music experience. It doesn't matter whether it's classical, jazz, punk, rock, rap… it just doesn't matter. You really get to feel and hear what the artist is trying to convey. And from the stage, the artist can really feel and...

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Piano

The piano allows me the luxury to create more sophisticated compositions. With the keys I can focus on a balancing act, juggling between complexity and simplicity, while keeping the priority on the lyrics and melody.

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The Exciting Part

You play a song one day. Then you go to the next town, set up your stuff, and play the same song. But for whatever reason you started it faster tonight and it has a different kind of energy to it. Or you started it slower and all of a sudden it just changed the whole...

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Friendships

It’s a thrill just to be able to play great music with great friends, and having solid friendships is really what makes the music even better.

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Shaky Frank

"Shaky Frank" - Musically, that song comes out of the Fats Domino rock 'n' roll sound with a little bit of Dr. John added to it. Lyrically, it tells the true story of a real New Orleans character, Shaky Frank, the house painter.

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The Central Force In My Music

New Orleans as a city and a culture is the central force in my music. It is the sound that shaped my childhood memories of family celebrations. I have been hearing the sounds and rhythms of Fats Domino, Dr. John and the Meters since I was a young boy. So when I began...

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Focus On The Music

Before going into the studio while still writing songs, I assembled a business team. So when I started generating business, it wouldn't be all on my shoulders. That allows me to focus on the music.  

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