Throughout a notable career as a New Orleans singer, songwriter and performer, Sarah Quintana has been firmly rooted in her hometown’s rich music tradition — but eager to playfully explore its boundaries and possibilities. Her two self-released full-length studio albums, live concert release and EPs brim with a blend of jazz, folk and rhythm and blues, and her new BABY DON’T (due out on March 28th) brings together an all-star lineup for an album inspired by Louisiana’s music and culture of the 50s and 60s.
Sarah has partnered along the way with acclaimed Louisiana-based musicians, including Grammy winners Michael Doucet, Kevin Clark (The Nightcrawlers) and Leyla McCalla. She has received recognition from the Grammy Foundation Recording Academy, The Voice Foundation and The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Foundation, Big Easy Awards among others. When she’s not writing, performing or touring internationally, Sarah works as a music educator and a vocal coach specializing in, gender affirming care, to help others find power in their own voice. Quintana is also a fellowship-trained voice-pathologist and a faculty member and singing-voice specialist at LSU Health Sciences Center, where her research highlights the importance of creating vocal-health care pathways for Louisiana’s culture bearers and oral traditions.
BABY DON’T was recorded at the iconic Dockside Studios in Lafayette, Marigny Studios in New Orleans and shotgun-house living rooms across town. It features an all-star lineup that includes some of Quintana’s longtime friends and collaborators — Rex Gregory on saxophone, Louis Michot of the Grammy-winning Lost Bayou Ramblers, multi-instrumentalist Leyla McCalla (Carolina Chocolate Drops), and Grammy-nominated Corey Ledet.
Just in time for Mardi Gras season, Glide is excited to premiere the album’s title track, an addictive ear morsel that bridges a classic New Orleans R&B sound with a modern pop sensibility. With her band providing a comfy groove that incorporates bits of jazz, blues, and garage rock, Quintana sings with a flowing coolness that gives this song its catchy melodic vibes. There is a real jiving sound to the tune, making it perfect for dancing along with whether you’re having a night of revelry in the French Quarter or blasting it at home while sipping a Sazerac.
Quintana describes the inspiration behind the tune:
“Title track of the record, originally composed as an instrumental for guitar. I am addicted to the feel of this song. It is so much fun to play! Much like the melody, this song is a meditation on getting lost in what you love to do. I live in a Louisiana music bubble, and I love it. I listen to a lot of WWOZ and KRVS and I wanted this record to sound straight out of the 50’s and 60’s. That’s why we recorded in the room live instead of tracking and bounced most of the mixes to tape. That’s me playing an electric guitar solo with distortion, Rex Gregory on saxophone, Jason Jurzak on tuba, Chris Beroes-Haigis on cello and Rose Cangelosi on drums. Baby, don’t change my radio!”
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One Response
Love her music! So happy to see some new work coming out!