kyle roussel/john boutte

Biography

Kyle Roussel, born April 26, 1988, in Boutte, Louisiana, is a celebrated American pianist, composer, producer, arranger, and educator who has become one of New Orleans’ most prominent musical voices. Raised in a musically supportive family, he began playing piano by ear as a child and received formal classical training from Frozine Francis at age nine. His early exposure to church music across various denominations deeply influenced his stylistic versatility. Roussel’s formal jazz education began at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), where he was mentored by legendary figures such as Alvin Batiste, and continued at the University of New Orleans, where he studied under Victor Atkins and Ellis Marsalis Jr.[1][2]

Roussel’s career rapidly expanded beyond New Orleans, as he became a sought-after touring and session musician. He has performed with renowned acts including The Headhunters, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and artists like Irma Thomas, Jon Batiste, and John Boutté. His solo work, including albums like 'Rookie of the Year' (2014), 'NOLA à la Mode' (2023), and 'Church of New Orleans' (2025), showcases a blend of jazz, funk, rock, classical, and New Orleans traditions. Roussel’s contributions extend to film and television, notably portraying Jelly Roll Morton in AMC’s 'Interview with the Vampire.'[1][2][6]

Known for his technical mastery and genre-blending creativity, Roussel has become a pillar in the New Orleans music community, both as a performer and as an educator. His collaborations and mentorships reflect a deep commitment to the city’s musical legacy, while his innovative projects continue to inspire a new generation of musicians.[1][2][3]

Fun Facts

• Kyle Roussel portrayed jazz legend Jelly Roll Morton in the AMC series 'Interview with the Vampire.'[1]
• He is a Grammy-nominated artist and a Steinway Artist, recognized for his technical prowess and versatility.[6]
• Roussel’s debut album as a leader, 'Rookie of the Year,' was released in 2014 and features a blend of jazz, funk, and New Orleans rhythms.[1]
• He has performed in over 40 countries, sharing stages with artists from Dave Matthews Band to Chance the Rapper.[1][2]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Frozine Francis - First piano teacher, introduced him to classical piano (Early classical training) [circa 1997–2000]
• Alvin Batiste - Jazz mentor at NOCCA (Jazz studies and improvisation) [2002–2006]
• Ellis Marsalis Jr. - Private instruction after introduction by Delfeayo Marsalis (Jazz piano technique, improvisation) [2006–2010]

Key Collaborators

• John Boutté - Frequent collaborator in live performances and recordings (Church of New Orleans (2025), numerous New Orleans concerts) [2010s–present]
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band - Touring and recording member (NOLA à la Mode (2023), international tours) [2010s–present]
• Irma Thomas - Studio and live collaborator (Church of New Orleans (2025), New Orleans Collection (2021)) [2010s–present]
• The Headhunters - Touring and recording keyboardist (The Stunt Man (2024), international tours) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging New Orleans pianists - Roussel’s teaching and performances have inspired a new generation of local jazz and funk musicians (Workshops, NOCCA masterclasses) [2010s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Pickles (Pickles)
2. Pickles (Church of New Orleans)
3. African Gumbo (Church of New Orleans)
4. Daylight - Remix (Church of New Orleans)
5. Don't Wait (Church of New Orleans)
6. Changes (Church of New Orleans)
7. Sankofa (Church of New Orleans)
8. Close To Me (Church of New Orleans)
9. True (Church of New Orleans)
10. I Can Do Anything (Church of New Orleans)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia