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Home , Buckwheat Zydeco, Cedric Watson, Guitar Slim, Joe Krown

Peter Novelli peternovelli.com

Guitarist / singer / songwriter Peter Novelli is based in . The Peter Novelli Band plays roots and , a blend of blues-rock-R&B- with some -cajun influences.

Novelli’s CD Louisiana Roots & Blues (June 12 release) with his core rhythm section Darryl White (drums, formerly w/ Tab Benoit and Chris Thomas King), Chris Chew (bass, North Mississippi Allstars), Joe Krown (B3 and piano, formerly w/ late Gatemouth Brown), and special guests Chubby Carrier (Grammy-winning zydeco accordionist), Chris Thomas King (lap slide guitar, Grammy “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou”), Shamarr Allen (trumpet) and Elaine and Lisa Foster on vocals.

Novelli’s debut CD, produced by bassist David Hyde, hit the charts within a month of release and gathered widespread critical acclaim. His originals, with a few selected covers, made a journey through Louisiana-American blues-roots music. Guests include Dr. John, Paul Barrere, Augie Meyers, the late Gatemouth Brown’s rhythm section, and top Lousiana musicians. The CD includes an historical Tribute To Slim Harpo, with members of Harpo’s band including James Johnson, and interviews with Johnson, the late Raful Neal and “Big” Johnny Thomassie.

Novelli started violin at age 6, picked up guitar at 14 after hearing a BB King record. The intensity, passion and raw emotional content of some of the blues masters (black and white, American and British) stuck in his ear and that is what drives him to this day. He likes to combine this feel with harmonic ideas of jazz, the relentless groove of zydeco, and just about any cool and unusual style of music or rhythm that works.

Early influences, along with B.B., were George Barnes, James Burton, Clarence White, Freddie King, Mike Bloomfield, Roy Buchanan, James Johnson (Slim Harpo), Guitar Slim, early and Jeff Beck, , Gatemouth Brown, and more. Novelli was strongly influenced by some of the iconic jazz horn players. From a young age, Novelli was into Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Texas blues and R&B.

Growing up, Novelli played in Syracuse, NY rock, blues and country bands. He hung out, jammed and gigged at the legendary, small, underground Jabberwocky (hosted many icons from Townes Van Zandt to , Traffic to Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jackson Browne to James Brown!).

Some years back, after his band opened for Buckwheat Zydeco, Novelli absorbed zydeco and cajun influences, travelling to SW Louisiana, playing and jamming with some of the leaders in zydeco- including the late Roy Carrier, T. Broussard, Walter Mouton, Steve Riley, Christine Balfa, , Cedric Watson, etc. Novelli worked with Louisiana accordionist Sammy Naquin for several years, playing and touring with Sammy and sometimes cajun fiddle-guitar virtuoso Al Berard.

Novelli has shared stages, recorded or jammed with some of his favorite musicians including Dr. John; Clapton; Sammy Kershaw, Olivier Scoazec, guitar (Zachary Richard, Buckwheat Zydeco); Whoopi's band with David Brown on guitar (Billy Joel); Barrence Whitfield (and The Savages), Kalani (Keith Porter & The Itals, English Beat); Greg "Fingers" Taylor (Jimmy Buffett); Smoky Greenwell (formerly WAR); Waylon Thibodeaux; New Orleans R&B guitar legend Irving Bannister; band members of the late R&B legends Ernie K. Doe and ; many New Orleans musical icons, and more.

Novelli performs around New Orleans and tours. He also performs solo guitar, does session work, composes music and guests with numerous other bands and performers.