Irving Bannister & the Allstars
Unsung N.O. R&B guitar hero has played with Danny White, Sugarboy Crawford, and Eddie Bo
Temp. Bio: Unlike many of his brethren, R&B guitarist/vocalist Irving Bannister is more familiar to locals for who he's worked with than for who he is: in the early fifties he was a member of James 'Sugarboy' Crawford's band, and the first version of his All-Stars that played around town in the early Sixties produced such luminaries as pianist Eddie Bo and bassist George Porter Jr. (best known as one of the original Meters). Lack of fame never stopped Bannister from keeping the spirit of traditional New Orleans rhythm and blues alive, however, and the current incarnation of his band lives up to its billing by consistently featuring some of the finest musicians in the city. They specialize in classics from the golden age, but they're always open to requests, so don't be shy. -- Robert Fontenot, Jr.
Temp. Bio: Unlike many of his brethren, R&B guitarist/vocalist Irving Bannister is more familiar to locals for who he's worked with than for who he is: in the early fifties he was a member of James 'Sugarboy' Crawford's band, and the first version of his All-Stars that played around town in the early Sixties produced such luminaries as pianist Eddie Bo and bassist George Porter Jr. (best known as one of the original Meters). Lack of fame never stopped Bannister from keeping the spirit of traditional New Orleans rhythm and blues alive, however, and the current incarnation of his band lives up to its billing by consistently featuring some of the finest musicians in the city. They specialize in classics from the golden age, but they're always open to requests, so don't be shy. -- Robert Fontenot, Jr.