Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes
Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes

Since its inception in 2001, Johnny Sketch & The Dirty Notes (JSDN) has gained a loyal following in a competitive New Orleans music scene. Their unique FUNK/ROCK style blends guitar, violin and harmonica with a hard driving rhythm section reminiscent of the Radiators' swamp funk added to the punchy horns of Tower Of Power.

In essence, JSDN is a classically trained tight unit. All of the members studied music in college, but a night with JSDN is very different than a night at the symphony. They combine the manic energy of 1980s Fishbone with Deep South soul. It is this energy that fuels the crowd into an enthusiastic frenzy, and the band has been known to jump into that frenzy head first (sometimes literally).

It did not take long for these young musicians to land slots in most of New Orleans' prominent live music clubs such as The Maple Leaf, Tipitina's, The Howlin' Wolf, The Mermaid, and The House of Blues Parish. On the strength of those performances, JSDN was added to the rosters of many notable festivals and special events.

JSDN's debut album, Bandicoot was voted by Offbeat Magazine as 2003 Best Rock Album by a Louisiana Artist. This award was a flattering follow up to winning the 2002 Best of the Beat Award for Best Emerging Roots Rock Band. JSDN was also voted Best Rock Band in 2003 for The Big Easy Entertainment Awards. which they were nominated for again in 2004. Winner of Best of the Beat 2004 emerging Funk/R&B/Soul aritist.

Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes has attracted plenty of attention over the past year as one of the best up and coming FUNK/ROCK bands out of New Orleans. With a sound not easily defined, their mix of influences and musicality have carved them a unique place in the New Orleans music scene.

After impressing judges such as JOHN "PAPA" GROS and earning a victory at the Loyola University Battle of the Bands, they were offered opening performances with the legendary local rock band THE RADIATORS in December '01 and again in January '02. Their momentum continued to build allowing them headlining performances at local venues such as TIPITINA'S, the HOWLIN' WOLF, the MERMAID LOUNGE, and the MAPLE LEAF BAR.

They have also opened a sold out show for TWO SKINNEE J'S followed by OZOMATLI on the first weekend of JAZZ FEST 2002 at the HOWLIN' WOLF and most recently, have performed at the 2002 SOUTHERN COMFORT HURRICANE FESTIVAL with COWBOY MOUTH, SOUL ASYLUM, and MEDESKI, MARTIN, AND WOOD.

Their popularity increases with every performance as well as their enthusiasm for the music they create. Numerous interviews as well as regular exposure on local community supported radio stations such as WWOZ and WTUL has helped spread their music across the city.

While maintaining a strong college following, Johnny Sketch and the Dirty Notes have managed to attract music lovers all over New Orleans with their unique and entertaining blend of onstage theatrics and musical excellence.