Joe Krown Trio

Biography

The Joe Krown Trio is a celebrated New Orleans-based group led by acclaimed pianist and organist Joe Krown, renowned for his mastery of the New Orleans piano tradition. Krown, originally from the Northeast, moved to New Orleans in 1992, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene and quickly establishing himself as a first-call keyboardist. Over the years, he has become a fixture at iconic venues and festivals, including regular performances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and the French Quarter Festival.

The Trio has featured a rotating cast of top-tier New Orleans musicians. Early incarnations included Brint Anderson (vocals, guitar) and Mike Barras (drums), while later and most recognized lineups featured Walter "Wolfman" Washington (guitar, vocals) and Russell Batiste, Jr. (drums), with Wayne Maureau later replacing Batiste. The group is known for its dynamic blend of blues, funk, and traditional New Orleans R&B, with Krown’s Hammond B-3 organ work at the center, often covering both melodic and bass lines. Their albums, such as "Live at the Maple Leaf" (2008), "Triple Threat" (2010), and "Soul Understanding" (2013), have been praised for capturing the energy and spirit of New Orleans music.

The Joe Krown Trio’s legacy lies in its authentic representation of the city’s musical heritage, blending the influences of legends like Professor Longhair, Allen Toussaint, and Dr. John with Krown’s own virtuosic style. Through club residencies, festival appearances, and international tours, the Trio has contributed to keeping the New Orleans sound alive and evolving, inspiring both peers and new generations of musicians.

Fun Facts

• Joe Krown often plays all the bass parts on the Hammond B-3 organ during Trio performances, forgoing a traditional bassist.
• The Trio’s album 'Live at the Maple Leaf' was recorded at their long-running Sunday night residency at the iconic Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans.
• Krown was chosen to perform with Allen Toussaint’s band at a major tribute following Toussaint’s death, sharing the stage with stars like Bonnie Raitt and Dr. John.
• Joe Krown toured the world as the keyboardist for Clarence 'Gatemouth' Brown, including a 62-date tour opening for Eric Clapton.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Professor Longhair - Major stylistic influence on Krown’s piano approach; Krown’s playing often channels Longhair’s signature New Orleans rhythms. (Solo piano albums, Trio performances) [1990s–present]
• Allen Toussaint - Influence on Krown’s songwriting and piano style; Krown performed with Toussaint’s band for a tribute after Toussaint’s passing. (Toussaint Tribute set at 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival) [2016]
• James Booker - Inspirational figure for Krown’s blues and boogie-woogie piano style. (Solo piano recordings) [1990s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Walter "Wolfman" Washington - Core Trio member (guitar, vocals); regular live and studio collaborator. (Live at the Maple Leaf (2008), Triple Threat (2010), Soul Understanding (2013)) [2007–2017]
• Russell Batiste, Jr. - Original Trio drummer; contributed to the Trio’s signature sound. (Live at the Maple Leaf (2008), Triple Threat (2010), Soul Understanding (2013)) [2007–2017]
• Wayne Maureau - Succeeded Batiste as Trio drummer. (Live performances post-2017) [2017–present]
• Brint Anderson - Early Trio member (vocals, acoustic guitar). (Old Friends (2007)) [2007]
• Mike Barras - Early Trio drummer. (Old Friends (2007)) [2007]
• Papa Mali - Featured guest and touring collaborator. (Live performances, Tribute album tour) [2020s]
• Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown - Krown was keyboardist in Brown’s band for over a decade. (The Man, Gate Swings, American Music Texas Style, Back to Bogalusa) [1992–2005]

Artists Influenced

• New Orleans piano students and younger musicians - Krown’s performances and recordings serve as a model for contemporary New Orleans piano style. (Solo and Trio albums, live residencies) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Tipitinas (Old friends)
2. Feel So Good (Old friends)
3. Keep on Gwine (Old friends)
4. Junko Partner (Old friends)
5. My Blue Heaven (Old friends)
6. The Royal Boogie (Old friends)
7. Tchoupitoulas St. Rag (Old friends)
8. Soul Understanding - Live (The Immunofunk Vaccination: Fridays from the Funky Uncle, Vol. 1 (Live))
9. It Wasn't Me (Old friends)
10. Old Friends (Old friends)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia