New Orleans' Best of the Best Musicians - The Daywalkers - by K M McFarland - Originally posted 3/30/16 - (Popular)

As a lover of music of all genres, it has always been my opinion that some of the best music comes out of Southeast Louisiana. Rockin Doopsie, Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters, Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, Tab Benoit, Better than Ezra, Cowboy Mouth, and the list goes on and on. How could we not be impressed with Hunter Hayes from Breaux Bridge, the music prodigy we have watched emerge from playing accordion with Hank Williams, Jr. at age four to topping the country charts at age twenty-one.

Every now and then, something comes along that commands my attention. Not long ago, while walking the warm humid french quarter streets, it was the sound of Cajun Roots music bleeding onto Bourbon Street from a small crowded music club that pulled me in. There is no better place to listen to great live music than Bourbon Street, so it has to be good. It has to stand out to get me to notice. The Daywalkers did just that. I have to say, I was blown away by their unique sound.

The energetic and charismatic four piece band delivers a perfect blend with their combination of instruments and harmonies with Trey Landry on drums, Janson Lohmeyer on keyboard and vocals, Alex MacDonald on washboard and vocals, and Marshall Baker on fiddle and vocals. The washboard is a bit more difficult than one may think, and Alex MacDonald tears it up. I have honestly never seen a washboard solo until now, and it was quite impressive. The dominant instrument is the fiddle, and Marshall Baker is one of the best fiddlers I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Whether they are covering an old song or performing their own original material, the Daywalkers music is always fresh and fun. It’s evident they love what they do by the way they pour their heart and soul into the music.

The Daywalkers CD titled Americana Mix features Stuffed Bell Pepper with the lead vocals being pitched back and forth between Janson Lohmeyer and Alex McDonald with Marshall Baker joining in backing them up. Other tracks include Ten Miles to New Orleans, Hello Josephine, Down in Louisiana and Hot Tamale Baby. One of my favorites is Port Author Blues. It's sung in French, and I don't speak French. I have no idea what he's saying, but it sounds nice.

For those of you who would like to take a piece of New Orleans and the Daywalkers music home with you, their CD is for sale during their shows, or you can purchase it on their website. You can also download their songs from their Bandcamp.

You can find the Daywalkers at Krazy Korner (640 Bourbon Street) Saturdays and Sundays from 12 PM - 7 PM and Mondays from 2 PM - 7 PM. Look for them at Fat Catz (440 Bourbon Street) on Fridays from 1 PM - 6 PM. Happy Hour drinks are two for the price of one. There is no cover charge, but there is a tip jar, so you may want to show them some appreciation for knocking themselves out to entertain us.​

If you live in New Orleans or plan on visiting our wonderful city soon, be sure to treat yourself to this musical experience and check them out.

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For more information about the Daywalkers: ​
  
The Daywalkers' Website
 
The Daywalkers on Facebook
 
Bandcamp

Photo: KMM

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