Biography
The Rumble is a dynamic New Orleans-based band formed by seven Grammy-nominated musicians, fronted by Big Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. of the Young Eagles Black Masking Indian tribe. The group was founded by former members of the acclaimed Mardi Gras Indian Funk band Cha Wa, including Boudreaux, trumpeter Aurélien Barnes, trombonist José Maize Jr., bassist TJ Norris, guitarist Ari Teitel, keyboardist Andriu Yanovski, and drummer Trenton O’Neal. Their music is deeply rooted in the rich cultural traditions of New Orleans, blending the electrifying spirit of Black Masking Indian carnival with modern funk, brass, and soul influences[2][3][4][6][8].
Joseph Boudreaux Jr., a third-generation New Orleanian and Black Masking Indian Chief, grew up surrounded by legendary musicians such as The Neville Brothers and The Meters, who frequently visited his father, Monk Boudreaux, Big Chief of the Golden Eagles and a pioneer of bringing Black Masking Indian music to the world. Joseph began performing with the Wild Magnolias band at age ten and later became the frontman for Cha Wa, earning Grammy nominations for his work. In 2019, he and several other young New Orleans musicians formed The Rumble, aiming to create original music that carries the spirit and visual splendor of New Orleans while pushing its traditions into the future[2][3][4][5][8].
The Rumble's debut album, recorded live at the iconic Maple Leaf Bar, captures the vibrant energy and immersive experience of their performances. Their sound is described as a modern evolution of New Orleans funk, reminiscent of The Meters and The Neville Brothers, but with a contemporary edge and the unique visual spectacle of the Black Masking Indian tradition. The band is celebrated for writing and performing original songs that honor the legacy of New Orleans while remaining relevant to today's audiences[2][3][5][9].
Fun Facts
- The Rumble's debut album was recorded live at the legendary Maple Leaf Bar in New Orleans, capturing the raw energy of their performances[2][9].
- Joseph Boudreaux Jr. began performing internationally with the Wild Magnolias band at just ten years old[2].
- The band features seven Grammy-nominated musicians, making it one of the most decorated ensembles in the New Orleans scene[2][6][7].
- The Rumble's music and stage show incorporate the elaborate beadwork and visual spectacle of the Black Masking Indian tradition, offering a full sensory immersion into New Orleans culture[2][3][4].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Monk Boudreaux - Father of Joseph Boudreaux Jr.; Big Chief of the Golden Eagles, legendary Wild Magnolias singer, and pioneer of Black Masking Indian music. (Wild Magnolias albums, Golden Eagles performances) [1970s–present]
- The Neville Brothers - Influential New Orleans funk band; personal acquaintances and musical inspirations for Joseph Boudreaux Jr. (Various albums and collaborations) [1970s–present]
- The Meters - Iconic New Orleans funk band; stylistic influence on The Rumble's sound. (Various albums) [1960s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Aurélien Barnes - Trumpeter and founding member of The Rumble; previously collaborated in Cha Wa. (Cha Wa albums, The Rumble debut album) [2010s–present]
- José Maize Jr. - Trombonist and founding member of The Rumble; previously collaborated in Cha Wa. (Cha Wa albums, The Rumble debut album) [2010s–present]
- TJ Norris - Bassist and founding member of The Rumble; previously collaborated in Cha Wa. (Cha Wa albums, The Rumble debut album) [2010s–present]
- Ari Teitel - Guitarist and founding member of The Rumble; previously collaborated in Cha Wa. (Cha Wa albums, The Rumble debut album) [2010s–present]
- Andriu Yanovski - Keyboardist and founding member of The Rumble; previously collaborated in Cha Wa. (Cha Wa albums, The Rumble debut album) [2010s–present]
- Trenton O’Neal - Drummer and founding member of The Rumble. (The Rumble debut album) [2020s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Young New Orleans musicians - Inspired by The Rumble's fusion of tradition and modernity, and Joseph Boudreaux Jr.'s leadership in Black Masking Indian music. (Emerging Mardi Gras Indian bands and contemporary New Orleans funk projects) [2020s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Stories from the Battlefield | 2024-08-23 | Album |
| The Rumble Ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. Live at the Maple Leaf Bar | 2023-05-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Now You Know (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Trouble (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Down In The City (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Golden Crown (Stories from the Battlefield)
- My People - Live (The Rumble Ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. Live at the Maple Leaf Bar)
- Take It Back (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Up Until The Morning (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Up Until The Morning - Live (The Rumble Ft. Chief Joseph Boudreaux Jr. Live at the Maple Leaf Bar)
- The Rumble (Stories from the Battlefield)
- Stories from the Battlefield (Stories from the Battlefield)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
The Rumble has been played 7 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 4, 2026 | 12:07 | Golden Crownfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Missy Bowen | |
| Dec 20, 2025 | 11:22 | Up Until The Morningfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Show - Saturday | |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 13:20 | Golden Crownfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 13:49 | Up Until The Morningfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Cole Williams | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 13:34 | Down in The Cityfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 13:32 | Troublefrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Michael Dominici | |
| Oct 20, 2025 | 13:45 | Golden Crownfrom Stories From The Battlefield | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |