This weekend (July 18-19), the group will feature Big Chief Juan Pardo on Friday night and former Radiators’ keyboardist and singer/songwriter Ed Volker on Saturday night at the Maple Leaf Bar.
The band has been going through some reorganization according to bassist Reggie Scanlan including working on a record deal with Louisiana Red Hot Records and recording a new album, which will feature Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett of Little Feat.
Saxophonist Jeff Watkins took advantage of the time off the road with the Suspects to go on a three-week European tour with soul singer Joss Stone. When the chance to play two nights at the uptown club came up, the boys in the band decided to bring in the special guests to make up for Watkins’ absence.
Friday night will be a Mardi Gras Indian themed event with Pardo, who is a dynamic front man, leading the band. Guest saxophonists have been invited to join in the proceedings, which Scanlan hinted was going to be a “a loose night.”
Volker will be the manning the piano on Saturday night for at least a full set while Suspects’ keyboardist CR Gruver concentrates on organ. The band has rehearsed a bunch of songs with Volker and according to Scanlan, “He’s pumped up about it.”
This looks to be a special night for fans of the Radiators. “We are doing some overhauled Rads songs, some very interesting takes on cover songs and a couple of new tunes,” Scanlan said.
