REV CHRIS & LES GARCONS CRASSEUX / Sunday, May 17 / Carney's Main Room, 12:30 & 2:40 PM
The Story
Born in Boston and raised in Philadelphia, Christopher Marsceill (aka Rev Chris) dove into music at age 11 at Settlement Music School. He later studied with Philly’s Eric Speigel, who sparked his love of reharmonization and singing. At 17, Chris headed to New Orleans, learning from legends like Mike Pellera and Ellis Marsalis, but soon swapped modern jazz for the boogie-woogie and blues of Professor Longhair, thanks to Joe Krown and Jon Cleary. Touring with acts like the Ted Hefko Quartet and Brides of Jesus (with Russell Batiste of the Meters), Chris shared stages with the likes of Widespread Panic, Santana, and Dave Matthews Band. Off tour, he gigged with French Quarter staples, the Dukes of Dixieland, and even appeared on bootlegs with Meters bassist George Porter. From 1999-2002, he played weekly at the iconic Maple Leaf Bar with the Ellen Rogers Band. In 2003, Chris co-founded “Restless Natives,” whose debut album featured members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the Neville Brothers.
The Sound
Les Garçons Crasseux’s music blends New Orleans jazz, rock ’n’ roll, R&B, and folk into a lively, eclectic sound. The music feels like a melting pot—brassy and rhythmic, often upbeat, with soulful improvisation and infectious grooves. It’s spirited, warm, and unmistakably shaped by the vibrant musical traditions of New Orleans.
