NEW RELEASE

“With John, there is a marvelous difference and it’s to the bone.” - Allen Toussaint

John “Papa” Gros (pronounced Grow) has spent more than three decades at the heart of New Orleans music, earning a reputation as one of the city’s most authentic and accomplished keyboardists, bandleaders, and songwriters. After years performing alongside artists including George Porter Jr., Dr. John, Allen Toussaint, Anders Osborne, and Better Than Ezra, Gros turns his focus to the music that forged his musical identity on Giants—a deeply personal tribute to Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, The Meters, Levon Helm, and Billy Preston. Rather than simply recreating familiar recordings, Gros and his band reinterpret these songs through the lens of a lifetime immersed in the New Orleans groove tradition, balancing reverence with spontaneity, soulful expression, and fearless musicianship. Recorded live at Silent S Recording Studio in New Orleans, LA, with support from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation and the Threadhead Cultural Foundation, Giants honors the artists who defined Gros’ musical DNA not by preserving their work in amber, but by bringing it vividly to life through deep grooves, electrifying performances, and the unmistakable sound of New Orleans.

Joining Gros on Giants is his core ensemble of New Orleans musicians: Alex Mallet (guitar), Matt Booth (bass), Russ Broussard (drums), Ian Bowman (saxophone), and Michael Christie (trumpet), with additional contributions from Terrance Taplin (trombone), Danny Abel (guitar), Yolanda Robinson, and Kiki Chapman (backing vocals).

www.JohnPapaGros.com