In the late 1990s, there were few bands that could boast the roster of organic talent like that which resided within the ranks of CONTINENTAL DRIFTERS. Just slightly ahead of the terminology, this unlikely combination of ‘singers and sisters’ helped begin defining what Americana was, or was going to be.
The short version: amidst the massive rock club scene in 1990s Hollywood CA, a band of journeymen players gathered together at a house in the Hollywood Hills where they lent harmonies and musicianship to each songwriter’s works. They brought the songs to a Tuesday night residency that saw the lineup shapeshift almost weekly with a steady stream of guests who all wanted to partake of the band’s warm vibe. Once they had relocated to New Orleans in 1993, and all original members except bassist MARK WALTON had left the fold, what had ostensibly been “original Auxiliary DRIFTERS” became the foundation of two celebrated albums (1998’s VERMILION and 2001’s BETTER DAY) and a legacy of freewheeling soulful performances at home and abroad, including seven at JAZZFEST. 
A live recording of their set at the 2023 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL documents that the greatness is still palpable, as energetic and engaging as ever.
It’s a near-perfect selection of the band’s best songs, brought to life in front of a roaring festival crowd by the longtime lineup of RUSS BROUSSARD, SUSAN COWSILL, PETER HOLSAPPLE, ROBERT MACHÉ, VICKI PETERSON and MARK WALTON. It is bound to remind listeners that CONTINENTAL DRIFTERS are an enduring American treasure.