I had been seeing these guys’ names in the paper for awhile now, playing in Kenner and Metairie, and have been intrigued: Pee Wee Guidry & the Country Boys featuring Joe Timmons.
I saw where Pee Wee has played with pianist/singer Kenny “L” Lachney, according to Kenny L’s bio page for the West Bank Musicians Hall of Fame induction class of 2007. Kenny L ain’t perfect, but he can be a welcome oasis these days in the dying world of classic local R&B/swamp pop, and I’d seen him countless times backing Bobby Lonero during Lonero’s yearlong stint at the Third Rock Tavern in Kenner in 2006-07.
So with that association, I finally went and checked them out in Kenner at Dolly’s Bar on Williams Boulevard. Walked in to the strains of “Matilda.” They also did “Fool to Care,” “Sweet Dreams,” and other tunes of that ilk. A four-piece group: bass, drums, 2 guitars. Lead singer (Timmons) had the George Jones widow’s peak hairstyle going, diminished somewhat by a receding hairline. Guidry had the Charlie Daniels-style cowboy hat with a few lucky charms in the band–a feather or piece of animal fur or something.
Pretty competent musicians. They “swung” a little bit more than your average swampers like Treater. It’s a tiny setting with no cover, so the expectations weren’t high. I’d go see them again.
I must be getting old: Kenner is a lot easier to get to these days than the West Bank–and the Old Scorpio (now named Memories) has been kicking it lately (with Junior Lacrosse on Thursdays, for one, and Gary T just there last Saturday), and the Old Firemen’s Hall has reopened in Westwego, but I haven’t made it out there recently. Marrero is scary these days, and The Man is on the lookout for drunks like me–easier to deal with than the swarthier restless natives …
Great report. After this year’s Stomp I had the pleasure of seeing Aaron Foret’s swamp pop band at the Westwego truck stop, where they play every Friday. I can heartily recommend both the venue and the band.
I read your piece on Joe Timmons and Pee-Wee Guidry and Agree and like your comentary. Thanks for including me(Kenny L) in your story. I ain’t perfect, don’t claim to be, But, I am from New Orleans and am true to the music and culture. I prefer to call what I do New Orleans R&B. Swamp-Pop is just another name for it. I have anew band called Black Label and I hope you take time to come and listen. You won’t be disappointed.and, Remember I ain’t perfect.
I read your piece on Joe Timmons and Pee-Wee Guidry and Agree and like your comentary. Thanks for including me(Kenny L) in your story. I ain’t perfect, don’t claim to be, But, I am from New Orleans and am true to the music and culture. I prefer to call what I do New Orleans R&B. Swamp-Pop is just another name for it. I have anew band called Black Label and I hope you take time to come and listen. You won’t be disappointed.and, Remember I ain’t perfect.
Thanks for your comments, Mr. Kenny. Actually, I’m a big fan of your piano playing and singing, I’ve tipped you plenty in the past at Third Rock, and I was aware of your gig this past Saturday night at Dago’s Cantina but couldn’t attend because of another commitment. This piece was started out as an email among friends and was published before I had a chance to edit it, otherwise the part about “ain’t perfect” would not be in there. But I would encourage all Ponderosa Stomp fans to go out and see Kenny L whenever they get the chance, and please do friend him on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KennyLMusic to find out where he is playing next.
I know you well my friend. You’ve got many pictures of Swamp-pop artists. I am honored to be part of the local music scene doing local music. I wish that more of the bands would realize how important it is and should be to keep New Orleans music alive. I do covers of every Genre’ of music but I do it with a New Orleans feel to it and I include the Louisiana music in every shoWw. Come check me and Pee-Wee out this Sunday at the Tirtle lounge in Metairie. Thanks for the compliments and write about me and this great music anytime you want to. I Love it. Kenny L
Hey Lakeview kid. Call me @ (504)913-0853. it is ok to publish the number. I would like to sit with you and we can talk and you can ask anything you want to and write an article if you would like. I want everyone to realize how important this music is to our culture. and, Musicians like me, Joe Timmons, Pee-Wee Guidry and others may be a little strange to some people ,but, we are what makes this culture unique. The music is almost the same as what you would have heard in bars 30 years ago and we are not afraid to play it. Let’s talk.