clint maedgen

Biography

Clint Maedgen was born on August 15, 1969, and experienced a nomadic childhood, living in 12 different states before age ten due to his parents' divorce and moves with his mother and stepfather. His family has deep roots in New Orleans, with ancestors in the Third Ward since the late 19th century; as a child, he absorbed traditional jazz from his grandmother's records. He briefly attended the University of New Orleans for music but flunked out amid a rock lifestyle, then studied clarinet under Alvin Baptiste at Southern University in Baton Rouge for two semesters, gaining discipline before pursuing other paths.[1][2][3]

Maedgen settled in New Orleans, working as a bicycle delivery person for Fiorella’s in the French Quarter while launching the New Orleans Bingo! Show, a punk cabaret variety act that started in the restaurant's backroom using found bingo cards. This led to his discovery by Ben Jaffe of Preservation Hall Jazz Band, beginning as a guest vocalist in 2004 with Kinks covers like 'The Complicated Life,' transitioning to full-time saxophonist and vocalist post-Katrina. He also fronted Liquidrone and released projects like Clint Maedgen+9, blending swing, blues, jazz, country, rock, and found objects in an eclectic style rooted in New Orleans traditions yet experimental.[1][2][3][4]

A multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and performer, Maedgen tours extensively with Preservation Hall (150 dates yearly), maintains Bingo! (100 local shows), and pursues solo work, a one-man show with toys, Clint Maedgen With Strings, and photography. His chameleon-like career straddles traditional jazz apprenticeship with audacious cabaret, inspiring him to refine his saxophone skills while honoring influences like Tom Waits.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• His uncle, a New Orleans cop, arrested Lee Harvey Oswald on Canal Street for distributing controversial literature.
• Discovered by Preservation Hall's Ben Jaffe while running Bingo! in a chicken restaurant backroom; continued delivering food on bike between guest spots.
• Sang the National Anthem at the BCS championship, describing the opportunity as 'Willy Wonka proportions.'
• Uses found objects and toys in performances, including a one-man show popular with kids; once performed from a lit booth like 'Jiminy Cricket' on tour.

Associated Acts

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band
• clint maedgen and the BANDAPANDAS

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Alvin Baptiste - Clarinet teacher and disciplinarian at Southern University (Formal studies in Baton Rouge) [Early 1990s (two semesters)]
• Branford Marsalis - Stylistic influence encouraging genre versatility (Inspired multi-genre pursuits) [Youth/early career]

Key Collaborators

• Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Full-time saxophonist and vocalist; guest started with Ben Jaffe (Tours, 'The Complicated Life' video (2004), collaborations with Tom Waits et al. on CD) [2004-present (16+ years)]
• New Orleans Bingo! Show - Leader and frontman of punk cabaret troupe (Weekly shows at Fiorella’s, Australian tours) [Early 2000s-present]
• Liquidrone - Band member in experimental project (Performances drawing from eclectic New Orleans sources) [1990s-2000s]
• Clint Maedgen+9 - Leader of rotating rock ensemble with local musicians like Stanton Moore (Debut CD) [2010s]
• Tom Waits - Recording collaborator via Preservation Hall (Preservation Hall CD with 20 artists) [2010s]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz