washboard chaz blues trio

Biography

Washboard Chaz Leary is an internationally recognized acoustic country blues musician originally from New York who achieved prominence through his mastery of the washboard and distinctive blues vocals. He lived in Boulder, Colorado from 1975 to 1997, where he performed with numerous bands including the legendary Ophelia Swing Band, Prosperity Jazz Band, and Bleecker St., earning two finalist positions in KBCO's Boulder songwriting contest. Upon relocating to New Orleans in December 2000, Chaz quickly established himself as a seasoned musician by forming the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio with harmonica player Ben Maygarden and slide guitarist Roberto Luti, performing Piedmont finger-style, Delta, and Chicago blues styles. He subsequently became a fixture in the New Orleans music scene, performing with acclaimed ensembles including the Tin Men, Palmetto Bug Stompers, Washboard Rodeo, and the Jazz Vipers, while also becoming a featured performer in the globally popular Playing For Change video series.

Chaz's musical talents have been featured on over 100 recordings, including John Hammond's 1998 Grammy-nominated album "Long as I have You." His career encompasses performances at prestigious venues and festivals across North America and Europe, including the Bottom Line in New York City, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Red Rocks Amphitheatre. He has shared stages with blues legends such as Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Muddy Waters, Robert Cray, Doc Watson, and Keb Mo. Beyond his performance career, Chaz has developed comprehensive percussion workshops for both adults and children and has participated in Blues in the Schools programs across multiple states. His reputation as a consummate musician and engaging performer has earned him recognition as one of New Orleans' most beloved adopted musical sons and a unique figure in the city's cultural community.

Fun Facts

• Chaz is one of the few washboard players who fronts a blues ensemble, making him a unique figure in contemporary blues music.
• He was featured in the wildly popular Playing For Change video series, appearing alongside rock and blues legends including Keith Richards, Keb Mo, and members of the Grateful Dead.
• His voice has been compared to that of Snooks Eaglin, another great New Orleans blues singer, according to music critics.
• Chaz performed international tours with his band Bleecker St. in Germany, Holland, and Japan, and his Blues Trio and Tin Men have performed throughout Japan and Europe.

Members

• Washboard Chaz - original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Hammond - Recording artist and collaborator who featured Chaz's talents on Grammy-nominated work (Long as I have You (1998)) [1998]

Key Collaborators

• Ben Maygarden - Harmonica player in the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio (Washboard Chaz Blues Trio) [2001-present]
• Roberto Luti - Slide guitarist in the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio and Playing For Change collaborator (Washboard Chaz Blues Trio, Playing For Change videos) [2001-2010s]
• Alex McMurray - Sousaphone player in the Tin Men ensemble (The Tin Men) [2000s]
• Matt Perrinne - Sousaphone player in the Tin Men ensemble (The Tin Men) [2000s]
• Keith Richards - Featured performer collaboration in Playing For Change videos (Playing For Change) [2000s-2010s]
• Keb Mo - Featured performer collaboration in Playing For Change videos (Playing For Change) [2000s-2010s]
• Grateful Dead members - Featured performer collaboration in Playing For Change videos (Playing For Change) [2000s-2010s]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz