The Tanglers Bluegrass Band

Biography

The Tanglers Bluegrass Band is a spirited ensemble that emerged from the vibrant musical melting pot of New Orleans, Louisiana. The group came together when a collection of like-minded musicians united around their shared passion for bluegrass and traditional acoustic music. Despite originating from a city known for jazz, funk, and R&B, the Tanglers carved out a distinctive niche by weaving together bluegrass, folk, and funk influences into their sound.

The band's musical approach deliberately moves away from the flashy, technically virtuosic "hot-licks" that often characterize bluegrass music, instead favoring a more grounded and accessible style. Their debut album, 'Backwards Burner,' showcases this philosophy, presenting a fresh take on bluegrass that reflects their New Orleans origins while honoring traditional acoustic instrumentation. The ensemble's willingness to blend genres and their collaborative spirit have established them as an innovative voice within the contemporary bluegrass scene.

Fun Facts

  • The Tanglers Bluegrass Band originated in New Orleans, a city historically known for jazz, funk, and R&B rather than bluegrass, making their commitment to the genre particularly distinctive.
  • The band's debut album 'Backwards Burner' deliberately downplays the technical virtuosity and fast-paced instrumental showmanship typically associated with bluegrass music, instead emphasizing songwriting and ensemble cohesion.
  • The ensemble describes their sound as weaving together bluegrass, folk, and funk influences, reflecting the eclectic musical heritage of their New Orleans home.

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

  • Dylan Williams - Band member (Backwards Burner) [Present]
  • Jacob Tanner - Band member (Backwards Burner) [Present]
  • Matt Rota - Band member (Backwards Burner) [Present]
  • Craig Alexander - Band member (Backwards Burner) [Present]
  • Graham Robinson - Band member (Backwards Burner) [Present]

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Gators In The City 2024-03-08 Album
Live at the 2025 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2025-07-10 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Hashbrown Blues (Gators In The City)
  2. Working In The Coal Mine (Gators In The City)
  3. Gators in the City (Gators In The City)
  4. Blueglass (Gators In The City)
  5. Possum's in the Dog Food (Gators In The City)
  6. Getaway Whistle (Gators In The City)
  7. Sun Gonna Shine On Me Today (Gators In The City)
  8. Philip St. (Gators In The City)
  9. Outa Town (Gators In The City)
  10. Lonesome Brick (Gators In The City)

References

  1. telluride.com
  2. louisianamusicfactory.com
  3. offbeat.com
  4. tanglersbluegrass.com

Heard on WWOZ

The Tanglers Bluegrass Band has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Dec 21, 202514:14Sun Gonna Shine On Me Todayfrom Gators In The CityHomespun Americanaw/ Ol Man River