The Gold Magnolias

Once upon a time there was Dan and Hud—two young rapscallions growing up in Austin, Texas and taking full-advantage of the city’s rich musical culture. Meanwhile in the North East corner of Louisiana, Evan Felts was learning his first chords on the guitar from his daddy. “Saxman” Ryan Anselmi was whistling through brass and playin’ Blues and Jazz in Kansas City. And over in Raleigh, NC baby Jeff Barton was seriously wailin’ on some pots and pans.

In New York City round-about 2009 is where it all came together: a bunch of Southern boys fighting their way through the noise. The Gold Magnolias went from seed to sprout in the rich soil of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Open mic at Goodbye Blue Monday turned into a weekly gig at Soul2Soul right in the heart of funky Broadway. After about 6 months of Tuesdays the Magnolias had a pretty solid group of tunes together and started expanding their reach: St. Lucian Paradise every Thursday playing for PBR an chicken wings, Sans Souci every sunday playing for curried goat and mac and cheese. Then on to some of the city’s finest venues: the Shrine in Harlem, and Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side.

In May of 2011, The Magnolias released their eponymous debut recording. The album was recorded at the Magnolia Motel to 1/4” tape and captures the intensity of the bands’ concerts. It highlights the group’s original songs. The sound evokes such artists as recent phenoms The Alabama Shakes as well as soul-stalwarts like Fats Domino and James Brown.

In recent months, the Magnolias have been taking their spit-shined act on the road: Pigfest in Talla Bena, the Burlington Jazz Festival in VT as well as holding down support slots for Tower of Power, Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens w/ Fred Thomas on bass, Kermit Ruffins and the BBQ Swingers, The ReBirth Brass Band and many more.

Along with releasing their first music video with Rocheford productions “Southern Man” is becoming a youtube hit!
The sparks are flying. It’s just a matter of time before these Magnolias explode. Be there when they do!