New Orleans Funk 'n Blues Ernie Vincent and the Top Notes have recently reformed and are currently burning up the New Orleans Music scene and surrounding areas, and have recently secured a coveted spot at the 2010 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on the Second Saturday, May 1st, 2010, historically the biggest day of the world famous music festival. Here is a little History about Ernie: New Orleans own Funk'n Blues living legend Ernie Vincent is mounting a powerful resurgence in the Crescent City as of late. A product of New Orleans rhythm and blues, Ernie Vincent has been on the music scene since the mid 1960's, playing r&b/funk and collaborating with the likes of Ernie K-Doe, King Floyd, Tommy Ridgley, Oliver Morgan, Irving Bannister, Eddie Bo, Jessie Hill and more. In the early 70's Ernie broke loose and created his own band and signature sound with the Top Notes, churning out smash hits like and “Things are Better” and “Dap Walk” for which Vincent has gone down in the deep funk history books. “Dap Walk”, that unhinged masterpiece of wahwah guitar, multiple drum breakdowns, and positive ghetto messages, is to this day a cult classic all over the world! His appearance is intense, his riffs smoothly rhythmic and his leads as stinging as a hive of angry queen bees. Ernie has been a special guest at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival for many years and his music has been on many compilation CDs across the planet. Ernie has been
playing the club scene in New Orleans and music festivals worldwide either as a front man or backing such artists as Joe Tex, Solomon Burke, Alex Spearman and many of the indigenous Mardi Gras Indian bands such as the Wild Magnolias and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and the Golden Eagles. Most recently, Ernie Vincent and his newly reformed Top Notes band have been electrifying crowds regularly with his signature “wah wah guitar” mastery at d.b.a. and Tipitinas. Upcoming shows in October at Rock n' Bowl and a slot at the upcoming Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival featuring the likes of Buddy Guy and Cyril Neville, and a new weekly gig on Thursday nights starting 10/15/09 at La Maison de la Musique on Frenchman St. will surely solidify Ernie's resurgence so get ready! The “new” Top Notes band consists of some of the most talented and accomplished up and coming musicians in New Orleans including, Eric Heigle on drums, Phil Breen on keyboards, Josh Reppel on bass, James Martin on Sax, Mike Kobrin on trumpet, and when available, local trumpet sensation Shamarr Allen will join the horn section. The new formation of the “Top Notes” has enabled Vincent to finally unleash his hits like “Dap Walk” and “Things are Better” live on a regular basis along with countless other originals from his vast catalog for the first time since the mid 70's, along with newly created deep funk'n blues classics. Recently, Offbeat's (New Orleans Premier Music Magazine) associate editor Alex Rawls stated in a review how great it is that Ernie has been playing regularly around town the past few months, and when his “young band” finds its groove they have the “potential to be a powerhouse”, which they are well on there way to accomplishing. Ernie has also found time recently to collaborate with local bluesman Andrew Duhon on a new acoustic delta blues cd entitled “Bayou Road Blues” for which has received rave reviews worldwide and a spot on the grammy ballot. Ready or not , Ernie Vincent's bring'n it to ya in a big way!
10-15-09
We are posting videos from some of the most recent shows for you to enjoy! We are currently booking private events and Festivals for 2010 and would love to hear from you! For booking info Call Jerry at 504-201-2202 or email at info@ernievincent.com Visit website for more info and EPK ErnieVincent.com , SonicBids EPK at sonicbids.com/ErnieVincentandtheTopNotes , Myspace myspace.com/ernievincent
2010 Schedule to date:
1/2/10 Cafe Prytania New Orleans
1/23/10 Le Bon Temps Rouler New Orleans
2/25/10 d.b.a. New Orleans
February Maple Leaf TBA
5/1/10 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival New Orleans
5/21/10 The Shed BBQ & Blues Joint, Mobile,Alabama
5/22/10 Private Event