Biography
Lulu and the Broadsides is a blues and R&B band fronted by American singer-songwriter Dayna Kurtz, formed in December 2017 in New Orleans. The band emerged in response to the city's vibrant underground dance scene, quickly earning a reputation for their energetic live shows and vintage-inspired sound. Drawing from classic rhythm and blues, soul, and rock and roll, Lulu and the Broadsides specialize in music that encourages dancing, blending original compositions with carefully curated covers and reinterpretations of obscure gems. Their sound is characterized by rich, smoky vocals, tight grooves, and a playful yet soulful approach that pays homage to the great blues shouters like Big Maybelle and Big Mama Thornton.
Over the years, Dayna Kurtz has built an international reputation as a riveting live performer and a writer’s writer, admired for her deep, honeyed voice and eclectic songwriting. With Lulu and the Broadsides, she channels her love for vintage R&B and blues into a dynamic group setting, backed by a supergroup of New Orleans musicians. The band has performed at major festivals such as the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, and Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing, earning praise for their ability to capture the spirit of classic 45 RPM-era music while bringing their own modern flair. Their debut EP was released in 2019, followed by a self-titled full-length album in 2022, both showcasing their signature blend of groove, soul, and musical camaraderie.
Fun Facts
- Lulu is actually the alter ego of Dayna Kurtz, who is known for her deep, smoky vocals and eclectic songwriting.
- The band’s debut EP was released in 2019, and their first full-length album came out in June 2022.
- Lulu and the Broadsides have performed at major festivals including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing.
- The band’s sound is inspired by classic blues shouters like Big Maybelle and Big Mama Thornton, and they are known for their ability to make audiences dance.
Musical Connections
Key Collaborators
- Dayna Kurtz - Lead vocalist and frontwoman (Lulu and the Broadsides (EP, 2019; self-titled album, 2022)) [2017–present]
- James Singleton - Bassist, known for work with Irma Thomas, Chet Baker, Astral Project (Lulu and the Broadsides (EP, 2019; self-titled album, 2022)) [2017–present]
- Carlo Nuccio - Drummer, known for work with Dr. John, Tori Amos (Lulu and the Broadsides (EP, 2019; self-titled album, 2022)) [2017–present]
- Robert Maché - Guitarist, known for work with Continental Drifters, Steve Wynn (Lulu and the Broadsides (EP, 2019; self-titled album, 2022)) [2017–present]
- Glenn Hartman - Keyboardist, known for work with New Orleans Klezmer All-Stars (Lulu and the Broadsides (EP, 2019; self-titled album, 2022)) [2017–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Lulu and the Broadsides | 2023-04-14 | Album |
| Lulu and the Broadsides | 2023-01-25 | Album |
| Sampler | 2019-04-25 | Album |
Top Tracks
- That's a Pretty Good Love (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- That's a Pretty Good Love (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- A Grade (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- How Do I Stop (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- Ice Cream Man (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- Razorburn Blues (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- Bigger in Texas (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- Into My Arms (Lulu and the Broadsides)
- Cindy Lou (Sampler)
- Do Right Woman, Do Right Man (Sampler)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Lulu And The Broadsides has been played 13 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.