The band began playing together in 2009 as a pick-up band at the Maple Leaf Bar, calling themselves the Unusual Suspects. The chemistry was undeniable, and when the Radiators retired in June 2011 after 33 years, bassist Reggie Scanlan freed up to commit and the group began touring full time as the New Orleans Suspects by summer 2011.
The lineup brings together drummer 'Mean' Willie Green (Neville Brothers, since the 1980s, plus sessions with the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Paul Simon), guitarist Jake Eckert (Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Dr. John), saxophonist Jeff Watkins (James Brown's musical director, Joss Stone), keyboardist CR Gruver (Outformation, Polytoxic), and bassist Reggie Scanlan (the Radiators, Professor Longhair). Their repertoire mixes New Orleans-style originals with Allen Toussaint and Dr. John obscurities and favorites from the Radiators, Nevilles, and Dirty Dozen songbooks.
They released their self-titled debut in June 2012, followed by the live Caught Live at the Maple Leaf (2013) — a New & Noteworthy pick on iTunes — Ouroboros and the all-original Kaleidoscoped (2017) on Louisiana Red Hot Records, with a sixth album in the works. The band remains active on the road and at festivals.
