Four New Orleans Men Keep Barbershop Harmony Alive on Canal Street

A four-part harmony filled the air near Canal Street in Mid City on a recent evening.

The group, known as Southern Tradition, has performed together since 1999. They are part of a century-old tradition that remains strong in New Orleans.

Karl Hansen, who sings bass, said the key to being a barbershop singer is to avoid embarrassment and keep going. He is a doctor. His groupmates include Hansen Eschette, a medical technician who sings tenor. Joe Jacquat, a civil engineer, handles the baritone. Johnnie Oufnac, the only actual barber in the group, sings lead.

Hansen noted that performing together for a long time helps them harmonize and understand each other's musical direction. The quartet represents a small part of a larger cultural scene in the city.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer who also performs with the group NOLA Vox, described New Orleans as the nexus of basic American music. He pointed out that Louis Armstrong sang in a vocal quartet before he became famous for playing the trumpet. NOLA Vox also spawned The Dreamers, a coed barbershop quartet.

Local singers say the inclusion of female voices is a welcome addition to the traditionally male form. Sarah Todd enjoys the competitive aspect of seeing how her voice stacks up against others. Matt Ridley said the group needs women to hit the high notes, adding that while some men can do it, the women are more attractive to the ear.

The singers perform for the love of the craft rather than for money. New Orleans hosted a major international barbershop competition in 1992 at the Superdome, according to Matherne. For local groups like Southern Tradition, the focus remains on camaraderie and sound. They rehearse every couple of weeks to refine their parts. Ridley said it is beautiful when the members learn their parts well and the harmony comes together.