The Tanglers’ Live at Martin’s Downtown

Irish Channel, U.S. A. — Pickin’ and grinnin’ well into the wee hours at each other’s homes in post-Katrina New Orleans, a group of friends—some native to the city, some transplants from across the country, some metal-heads, some classically trained—found inspirations in these informal jam sessions and together formed The Tanglers. Emerging from Uptown in a post-Katrina New Orleans, quickly established itself as a favorite at street festivals, private parties and rowdy Saturday nights at Crescent Clubs as the Kingpin, Always Lounge, and BMC, among others. The Tanglers have enjoyed airplay on WWOZ, WTUL and have been nominated in the Best Bluegrass/Country/Folk category at the Best of the Beat Awards presented by Offbeat magazine.
The band—Dylan Williams (mandolin, vocals), Graham Robinson (bass, vocals), Harry Hardin (fiddle, vocals), Matt Rota (banjo), vocals), Jacob Tanner ( ) and Craig Alexander (guitar)—helped forge a now-blossoming bluegrass scene in the Crescent City. Though influenced by the city’s driving rhythms and extended, inspired live performances, the Tanglers deliver a sound and energy in the finest of foot-stompin’, front-porch-sing-along bluegrass tradition.
Brewing up their blend of “Big Easy Bluegrass,” the Tanglers offer inventive takes on Crescent City jazz standards such as “St. James Infirmary,” sacred Old Time staples (“In the Pines”) and originals such as “Backwards Burner,” the title track of the Tanglers’ debut album, which gives devoted fans and new audiences the chance to hear their signature “Big Easy Bluegrass” sound.