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Original Album Release:
“LUCKY DOG” by Big Easy Rick & N’Awlins 

What better time than the start of Mardi Gras season to release an album of songs inspired by the spirit of iconic New Orleans music and musicians? Veteran singer Rick Windhorst has done just that with a collection of seven original songs (plus a bonus track) harkening back to the sounds of his childhood in the Irish Channel. Co-written by Emmy-winning, Grammy-nominated, NOLA area native Greg Barnhill (“Walkaway Joe” - Trisha Yearwood, “House of Love” - Amy Grant/Vince Gill, “Christmas in New York” - Backstreet Boys), these retro originals reflect the love that both Barnhill and Windhorst have for the city, music and culture that have shaped their lives and careers.
 

Barnhill enthuses, “Ricky’s voice embodies that classic New Orleans vibe, and it was great to collaborate with him on songs that celebrate a piece of the musical history that’s so important to us. We got some great players in the studio who’ve actually toured with acts that inspired these songs and immediately captured the sound we were looking for.”
 

The tracks on “Lucky Dog” conjure visions of everything from lazy days under moss-draped oaks (“New Orleans Sunday Afternoon”), and couples swaying to belly-rubbing tunes at a fais do-do (“Don’t You Know”) to the sights and sounds of parades and Jazz Fest (“Ain’t Been to the Fest,” “The Less There is for You”). Real-life Big Easy experiences are memorialized in (“Hugga Bugga Choo Choo Choo,” “Lucky Dog”). Windhorst delivers an homage to his favorite New Orleans music ambassador (Listen to the Doctor) to round out his personal tribute to the city and music that were formative to the larger-than-life, carefree persona he’s used to passionately entertain audiences for nearly 50 years.

“I feel sorry for people who’ve never felt that rush ‘the chosen’ get when we hear the sound of drums down the street letting us know the big parade is coming or the joyous abandon of letting loose to join a second line,” says the singer who embodies his moniker of “Big” and “Easy.” The pounding of drums as they march by gets your whole body moving, and when all those horns join in, it lifts your soul and takes you to a place where one groove is shared. I wanted to capture that and add a New Orleans boogie piano like you’d hear oozing out of the doorway of a local bar along with a grooving bass and the rasp of a vocal singing to the saints and the sinners all at once. I grew up on such funky and soulful music here at parades, festivals and concerts so I hope to pay tribute to that great mix of influences,” explains Windhorst, who’s been performing regionally in a variety of bands since he was 15. “That’s the music I miss, and these tracks are my attempt to pay tribute and say thanks to all those musicians we grew up listening to.”

Bleu Evans, local recording engineer turned producer to stars such as Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder and Kansas, encouraged Windhorst to realize his dream of completing the album that honors his local forebearers and the Mardi Gras spirit that NOLA natives celebrate all year ‘round. Windhorst, Evans and Barnhill recently came together during the Ozone Songwriter Festival, founded by Barnhill to support the Ozone Music Education Foundation. The foundation provides music education, support and mentorship to those wanting to learn the music industry, and develop skills and knowledge as songwriters and musicians. Evans, who was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his work on Clifton Chenier's, Grammy award winning Zydeco album, "Bogalusa Boogie", was presented Ozone’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with Louisiana artists at his Studio in the Country, as well as attracting major international acts to the state to record and utilize its music industry and professionals. During Evans’ tenure, the Bogalusa studio was involved in the production of over 64 Gold® and Platinum® albums. During his acceptance speech, Evans cited Windhorst’s current project as the perfect example of Ozone’s importance to songwriters and investing in the local music industry.

Barnhill adds, “The foundation’s education efforts are largely directed at students with the gifting of instruments and lessons, but artists of all ages, like Ricky, benefit by exposure at the festival, attending songwriting and producing workshops, and making connections. I’m excited to have co-written with Ricky and helped him through the process. This one project employed many local musicians and the talents of local the engineers. That’s what we’re here to make happen.”

“I couldn’t have made this kind of quality production without Greg’s writing collaboration, experience, connections and guidance,” says Windhorst who has joined Ozone’s board himself to further their mission. “Doing this project is a dream I’ve had for decades, and Greg and Ozone really helped me achieve it. As thrilled as I am to put out an album, it’s just as exciting to share the resources Ozone offers so that my fellow musicians and young artists can have that same opportunity.”

“Lucky Dog” by Big Easy Rick & N’awlins will be available on all major streaming services.

For additional information, photos or interviews about, “Big Easy Rick” or the Ozone Festival and Foundation, contact Rick at rick@bigeasyrick.com.