Four New Orleans Men Keep Barbershop Harmony Alive on Canal Street
The group Southern Tradition has performed together since 1999, blending professional careers with a century-old American vocal tradition.
By Bianca Shevchenko ·
Four men perform barbershop harmony in New Orleans every few weeks, keeping a vocal tradition alive that dates back more than a century. The group, known as Southern Tradition, began singing together in 1999 and continues to gather in the Mid City neighborhood. They perform in a four-part style that requires precise pitch and timing from each member.
The quartet members hold distinct professional jobs outside of music. Karl Hansen works as a doctor and sings bass. Hansen Eschette is a medical technician who handles the tenor line. Joe Jacquat serves as a civil engineer and sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac is the only member with a background in barbering, and he sings the lead part. Hansen noted that the group’s longevity helps them anticipate each other's musical moves. "Being together for a long time helps us harmonize and understand where the other person is going," Hansen said.
New Orleans holds a specific place in the history of this art form. Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer who also performs with the larger group NOLA Vox, described the city as a central hub for basic American music. He pointed to Louis Armstrong as a local example of the tradition's depth, noting that the famous musician sang in a vocal quartet before he ever played a horn. Matherne's group NOLA Vox also spawned The Dreamers, a coed barbershop quartet that includes female voices in the mix.
Participants view the addition of women to the genre as a positive development. Sarah Todd, a singer in the scene, said it is enjoyable to compare her performance against others. Matt Ridley, another singer, stated that ladies are needed to hit the high notes. "We do have some gentlemen, but they’re not as attractive," Ridley said regarding the higher registers. The singers perform for camaraderie rather than financial gain, a common trait among local barbershop groups.
New Orleans has hosted major international competitions for this music style. Matherne identified the most recent international event in the city as the 1992 competition held in the Superdome. Since then, local groups have focused on internal practice and community performance. Ridley described the sound as beautiful when the parts align correctly. The group Southern Tradition continues to meet every couple of weeks, maintaining their place in a city defined by its musical culture.
Source: KPTV
