Captain Buckles

Biography

Captain Buckles is a New Orleans-based funk, blues, rock, and soul band formed by a collective of veteran sidemen who transitioned from years of backing national and international touring acts into their own distinctive musical project. The band came together approximately two years before their 2025 debut album release, though the members had performed together in various lineups for years prior, working as first-call studio musicians and trusted backing players for artists including Eric Lindell, Samantha Fish, Russell Batiste, John "Papa" Gros, and Glen David Andrews. Their name derives from a 1971 album title track by legendary saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, honoring the funky jazz traditions that inspire their sound.

The band's musical identity is deeply rooted in New Orleans' instrumental funk heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic acts like The Meters, Allman Brothers Band, The Band, Booker T & the MGs, and Little Feat. Their debut full-length album, Hurry Up, was recorded at the legendary Dockside Studio in Maurice, Louisiana—the same studio where Dr. John and B.B. King recorded—under the production guidance of engineer Justin Tocket and the band themselves. Released in November 2025 on cassette, digital download, and streaming services, the album showcases their signature blend of funky, organic instrumentals alongside soulful vocal tracks, demonstrating their commitment to musical exploration and dynamic subtlety. The band received support from the Threadhead Cultural Foundation Grant to complete the project, reflecting their importance to the New Orleans music community.

Captain Buckles represents a contemporary evolution of New Orleans' rich musical tradition, honoring the city's legacy while pushing forward with their own creative vision. Their music captures the spirit of late-night off-Bourbon Street clubs—down, dirty, and alive with the energy that has made New Orleans a birthplace of great musicians. The band's no-nonsense approach, emphasizing good vibes and an intense love of music, has established them as serious musicians worthy of attention in their own right, transitioning from the shadows of touring acts to the spotlight as leaders of their own ensemble.

Fun Facts

• The band's name comes from a 1971 album title track by legendary saxophonist David 'Fathead' Newman, though Captain Buckles does not include the original song on their debut album and no band members play saxophone.
• Dockside Studio, where Hurry Up was recorded, features framed records and CDs signed by B.B. King and Bruce Springsteen on its walls, which the band found inspiring during their recording sessions.
• The band received their first festival performance opportunity at the Wild Things Family Reunion in 2023, made possible through the support of Marc Paradis from Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes, which proved to be a crucial early stepping stone.
• Captain Buckles includes two keyboardists (Rob Davis and Phil Breen), creating a distinctive dual-keys sound that contributes to their unique funk and soul arrangements.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• David "Fathead" Newman - Musical inspiration; band name derived from Newman's 1971 album title track 'Captain Buckles' (Captain Buckles (1971 album)) [1971-present]
• The Meters - Primary stylistic influence on funk and groove foundation (General discography) [1960s-present influence]
• Booker T & the MGs - Instrumental funk influence; cited as first huge influence on bassist Smitti Supab (General discography) [1960s-present influence]

Key Collaborators

• Eric Lindell - National touring act that Captain Buckles members backed (Various tours) [Pre-2023]
• Samantha Fish - National touring act that Captain Buckles members backed (Various tours) [Pre-2023]
• Russell Batiste - National touring act that Captain Buckles members backed (Various tours) [Pre-2023]
• John 'Papa' Gros - National touring act that Captain Buckles members backed (Various tours) [Pre-2023]
• Glen David Andrews - National touring act that Captain Buckles members backed (Various tours) [Pre-2023]
• Justin Tocket - Recording engineer for debut album Hurry Up at Dockside Studio (Hurry Up (2025)) [2025]
• Marc Paradis (Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes) - Provided Captain Buckles their first festival performance opportunity (Wild Things Family Reunion (2023)) [2023]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Baby's Gone (Baby's Gone)
2. Bucket of Fish (Bucket of Fish)
3. Hurry Up (Hurry Up)
4. Bus Station Blues (Hurry Up)
5. Itis (Hurry Up)
6. Cringe (Hurry Up)
7. This Time (Hurry Up)
8. Acting Up (Hurry Up)
9. Raindrops on Mardi Gras (Hurry Up)

External Links

• Spotify