Native Sons

Louisiana in general, and South Louisiana in particular, is where old world and ethnic cultures work to redefine themselves in our time. Set against a background of struggle, change, landscapes and rhythms, the region continues to inspire the imagery of artist and wordsmith alike. This is the home of Native Sons.

The folk music of South Louisiana is the music of back porches, hardwood floor dancehalls, and regional festivals. When you listen you can see the dark bayous, great pine forests, cypress swamps, prairies, and tidal marshes. When you listen you will be touched by the lives and stories of the people who live there. Songs that express the tragedy and mystery as well as the joy and magic of life in this unique place. This is the music of Native Sons.

Danny Kimball, Mike Hanisee, Bruce MacDonald, and Gary Newman are Native Sons. They have been playing music since the 1960's and writing songs for almost that long. Danny played Rock & Roll with "The Bad Roads" in Lake Charles, LA, Mike was a folk singer on Bourbon St. in New Orleans, and Gary grew up backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.

Bruce learned to play guitar in San Francisco after he and Danny moved to the city to soak up the 60's counterculture. They were influenced by The Greatful Dead, Santana, Son's of Champlin, Dan Hicks along with many other bay Area groups revolutionizing Rock & Roll at that time.

Mike was also in California in the 60's spending most of his time in the Santa Rosa area. His love of folk music was nurtured at the Inn Of The Beginning in Cotati, CA where he was fortunate to spend time with Ramblin' Jack Elliot. Mike still draws from that experience. As one of the original owners of the world famous Grant St Dancehall in Lafayette, LA, Mike was further influenced by world class acts like Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Clifton Chenier and many others.

Gary, the son of Grand Ole Opry star Jimmy C. Newman , was influenced by Nashville music and musicians. Informal gatherings at the Newman house in Nashville saw the likes of Willie Nelson, Harland Howard, Billy Joe Shaver, Don Gibson, and other Country songwriters and performers. Gary's Country roots run deep. Gary is on the Board of Directors and the Music Committee for Festival International de Louisiane, as well as the Dr. Tommy Comeaux Memorial Fund for Supporting Traditional Music.

Danny and Bruce are from Lake Charles, LA, Gary from Ville Platte, LA, and Mike is from Crowley,LA. Today the live in the Lafayette area where they feel most influenced musically. All are long-time veterans of the South Louisiana dancehalls which is evident in the music on their new self-titled CD Natives Sons and in their fun lovin' and soulful performances.

Over the years, Danny has played with The Bad Roads ( who had a hit single in 1996 with "Blue Girl") Ebenezer, Lil' Queenie, Coteau, The Red Beans and Rice Revue, and The Sonny Landreth Band .

Bruce played with Rufus Jagneaux (with the hit single "Opelousas Sostan"). Coteau, Zachary Richard, Lil' Queenie, Beausoleil, George Porter Jr., The Song Dogs, and others.

Gary gave birth to Coteau and also played bass with Jimmy C. Newman, and The Clickin' Chickens.

Mike followed the solo folk singer journey until he became active in bands in the mid 70's with Ebernezer and The Red Beans and Rice Revue.

Playing only original compositions influenced by all the diverse music South Louisiana has to offer, Native Sons are not the be taken lightly. They come to play!