Island Man

Sunpie Barnes is perhaps one of the most enigmatic Zydeco musicians in the Zydeco Nation standing at the critical juncture where the black Creole musical tradition of Southwest Louisiana, Afro-Louisiana musical tradition, Mississippi Blues musical tradition, and Afro-Caribbean musical meet. While this may pose as an issue for many musicians and listeners, Sunpie Barnes’ musical clarity is grounded and focused. He is to black Creole, Afro-Louisianan, and Afro-Caribbean music what Taj Mahal is to Blues or Miles Davis is to Jazz. “Island Man” is the latest CD project from Sunpie & the Louisiana Sunspots containing 14 tracks that incorporates elements of Zydeco, Gospel, Blues, Afro-Louisianan, and Caribbean tradition.

1) 5:57 “Island Man”- HOT TRACK - Title Zydeco Track! Hot Zydeco Song bringing together the world sound of black Creole, black New Orleans, Afro-Louisianan, and Afro-Caribbean, and African music!

2) 4:21 “I’m So Happy” – HOT TRACK- CD SLEEPER Inspired by Sunpie Barnes’ experience playing music with South African guitarist Vusi Mahlasela while in Durban, South Africa. Tight horns by Lance Ellis and Eric Lucero!

3) 5:24 “Marie Leveau” – HOT TRACK New Orleans flavor with Zydeco Accordion come together to pay tribute to the Louisiana Creole Voodoo Queen.

4) 4:08 “Tu Me’ Fair Braillier” HOT TRACK- Traditional upbeat Zydeco Dance Track sung in Creole French.

5) 4:29 “Mo Gain L’amour Pour Toi” – HOT TRACK- CD SLEEPER Well written and played mid tempo Zydeco track in the tradition of Clifton Chenier & Buckwheat Zydeco!

6) 4:39 “Down In the Bottoms” – HOT TRACK Wood Cutting song inspired by and passed on to Sunpie Barnes by his father Willie Barnes Sr.

7) 5:02 “Love’s Gone” – HOT TRACK R & B styled track with a air tight rhythm, drum and horn section!

8) 6:15 “Come Back Love” – HOT TRACK- CD SLEEPER Well written R & B song with a full Afro Louisianan Sound! Surprise of the CD!

9) 5:16 “Zoli Marche An Dans Bonne Heure” – HOT TRACK- Translates: “The Bones Are Walking Early In The Morning” dedicated to the New Orleans Northside Skull & Bones Mardi Gras Gang.

10) 5:33 “Have Mercy” – HOT TRACK- Wood Cutting song that incorporates jazz , spirituals, R & B & Blues.

11) 3:12 “We Are The Northside Skull & Bones Gang” – HOT TRACK- Anthem dedicated to Northside Skull & Bones Mardi Gras Gang. A 200 year old carnival tradition.

12) 4:01 “Too Late” – HOT TRACK- Sad but true song about shooting at New Orleans jazz club, Joe’s Cozy Corner.

13) 5:57 “Ain’t No Grave” – HOT TRACK- Old Spiritual about the Book of Revelations.

14) 2:36 “Whiskey Toast” – HOT TRACK- Classic blues track. You’ll Love this one!