“John “Papa” Gros is a bedrock New Orleans artist, a keyboardist, singer and songwriter who draws on funk, rhythm & blues and Americana songcraft; he also knows his way around the Mardi Gras music repertoire about as well as anyone.” – Keith Spera The New Orleans Advocate
Latest News
Singing Or Talking
My vocal coach said, "There should be no change in your voice whether you're speaking or singing." I don't know if I'm there yet. But when "River's On Fire" came out, the biggest compliment I received was , "You sound like yourself." That was really good to hear.
Bands To Fans interview
We discussed: Being a sideman versus being a frontmanNew Orleans musicians and versatilityWork and education with Papa Grows Funk, George Porter, Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, and Art NevilleAnd more https://youtu.be/aUiXtp-sYHs
The Music Reflects How We’re Feeling
Our approach comes from the New Orleans jazz tradition, where it is important to make sure the music is alive and reflects how we're feeling that day. If I'm excited one day and the songs are a little fast, well the songs are a little fast. If I'm struggling, have had...
A Challenge
"Her Love Can't Be Denied" is another song I enjoy playing live. It's a simple song with a thick, lush arrangement, which makes it a challenge to perform live. The risk / reward is high, so it's a great barometer as to how we are playing as a band.
More Ideas Than You Need
When I'm coming out of the shower or driving in the car, if a musical idea came into my head, I would immediately sing and record it into my phone. If I'm sitting at the piano and happened across something, good or bad, I recorded it. I learned from Allen Toussaint...