The Subdudes

by Steve Huey
Led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist John Magnie, the Subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals; their sound is also notable for the bands substitution of a tambourine player for a drummer. The band came together after backing artists such as Joni Mitchell and Roseanne Cash, and released its eponymous debut in 1989. Like the groups subsequent albums (including 1991s Lucky, 1996s Primitive Streak, and 1997s Live at Last), The Subdudes featured a mix of covers and originals. After an eight-year sabbatical, the Subdudes joined Bob Dylan guitarist Freddy Koella to produce Miracle Mule in spring 2004. Keb Mo would be the producer for the bands 2006 effort, Behind the Levee, and Street Symphony would follow in 2007.