When most New Orleans musicians think of a carnival, the brass and second lines of Mardi Gras come to mind. However, the sounds employed by the Dirty Bourbon River Show are more like those typically associated with the circus. According to front man and songwriter Noah Adams, his affection for the genre is deep-seeded, having grown up listening to the music. “When I was a kid my mom gave me this (film composer) Nino Rota CD with all these great circus tunes,” Adams says. “I love circus music. It’s festive and spirited, but sometimes it’s creepy and has a lot of uncertainty.”
Not only does Dirty Bourbon River Show utilize the sounds of the circus on its debut album, Volume One, but it also takes that mentality into live performances as well. “I love to bring five incredible music freaks on stage and go crazy,” says Adams. “Even the most straightlaced people like to be opened up in that weird way.”
Dirty Bourbon River Show is more than just flash and spectacle, as proven by the autobiographical and open songwriting of Adams. “I dropped out of high school and traveled for six years writing songs, but I’ve stayed in New Orleans longer than anywhere. Finally sitting still has given me some insight into all of the wild running around I’ve done, which makes sense in the music,” he says.
Just as the Ringling Brothers’ circus has evolved into Cirque du Soleil, Dirty Bourbon River Show is in musical flux. “We’re getting more into funk and folk styles, as well as some Latin beats, Cajun reggae, and Italian hip-hop,” says Adams. “It’s important for us to be constantly exploring and spreading musical styles around.”
