Biography
Dave Jordan is an award-winning roots rock singer-songwriter and bandleader from New Orleans, Louisiana, whose career has spanned nearly three decades. Born on January 29, 1972, in Mandeville, Louisiana, Jordan grew up immersed in the rich musical and cultural traditions of south Louisiana, which deeply influenced his songwriting and performance style. His early exposure to the region’s musical melting pot, combined with a family background steeped in writing and storytelling, set the stage for his lifelong passion for music and narrative.
Jordan first gained recognition as the founder, bassist, and lead singer of the funk band Juice, which was active from the mid-1990s through the late 2000s. Juice was a key player in the resurgence of New Orleans funk, sharing the scene with contemporaries like Galactic and All That. After Juice, Jordan reinvented himself as a solo artist, embracing a sound that blends Americana, New Orleans funk, country, and rock. His music has been described as the 'swampy lovechild of Tom Petty, John Prine, and Dr. John,' and he is celebrated for his emotive storytelling and genre-defying approach. Jordan has released five solo albums since 2010, including the acclaimed 'Keep Going' (2022), and is a three-time finalist in OffBeat Magazine’s 'Best of the Beat' awards. He is a fixture at iconic New Orleans venues and festivals, such as Tipitina’s and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and has toured extensively across the United States.
Jordan’s legacy is that of a quintessential New Orleans songsmith, weaving together the city’s diverse musical threads into a unique tapestry of American roots music. His collaborations with local legends and his commitment to authentic storytelling have earned him a reputation as one of the great bandleaders and songwriters of his generation.
Fun Facts
- Dave Jordan has performed in all 50 U.S. states, from Alaska to Key West, sharing the culture of New Orleans nationwide.
- He was a three-time finalist in OffBeat Magazine’s 'Best of the Beat' awards for Best Roots Rock Band and Best Roots Rock Album.
- Jordan’s family background is steeped in writing: his father was a writer and professor, and his grandfather was a newspaper editor and publicist.
- His music has been described as having 'a luxurious lack of urgency,' reflecting the laid-back rhythm and tempo of New Orleans life.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Tom Petty, John Prine, Dr. John - Stylistic and songwriting influences; Jordan is often described as blending elements of these artists' approaches into his own music. (Overall songwriting and performance style) [Throughout career]
Key Collaborators
- Anders Osborne - Producer and guitarist on multiple albums, including 'Keep Going' (2022); frequent creative partner. (Keep Going (2022), two other album collaborations) [2010s–2020s]
- George Porter Jr. - Session and live bassist on 'Keep Going' and other projects. (Keep Going (2022))
- Chad Cromwell - Drummer on 'Keep Going' and other sessions. (Keep Going (2022))
- Rurik Nunan - Violinist and frequent bandmate in both studio and live settings. (Keep Going (2022), live performances) [2010s–2020s]
- Juice (band) - Founder, bassist, and lead singer; key figure in New Orleans funk scene. (Three albums with Juice) [mid-1990s–late 2000s]
- Art Neville, Galactic, George Porter, Iris May Tango, All That - Shared stages, studio collaborations, and scene contemporaries. (Various live and studio collaborations) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary New Orleans roots musicians - Jordan is recognized as a key figure and inspiration for younger artists in the New Orleans roots rock and Americana scenes. (General influence on regional sound and ethos) [2010s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Bridges | 2025-01-23 | Album |
| Keep Going | 2022-09-16 | Album |
| No Losers Tonight | 2016-04-01 | Album |
| Burning Sage | 2019-10-01 | Album |
| Bring Back Red Raspberry | 2013-04-03 | Album |
| These Old Boots | 2010-11-01 | Album |
| All Lit Up | 2002 | Album |
| All Lit Up | 2002 | Album |
| All Lit Up | 2002 | Album |
| Away from Home | 1975-12-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- So Far Away (Keep Going)
- Pontchartrain (No Losers Tonight)
- Long Way (Bridges)
- Santa Ana Winds (Bridges)
- Shooting Star (Bridges)
- Lying to Myself (Burning Sage)
- Shattered Glass (Bridges)
- Time Alone (Bridges)
- Telluride (Bridges)
- Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You (Bridges)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Dave Jordan has been played 16 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.