"Sista Teedy breaks new ground by applying the sophistication of jazz to reggae."
--Advocate
Cool Riddims
Sista Teedy has already appeared as a background singer on several NYNO releases, and
ultimately will also release r&b albums under her given name of Tricia Boutte. But this
release with Cool Riddims, recorded and released before any others by her request to Allen
Toussaint, she considers to be her first true expression of herself as an artist. Once you
hear the music on Pledge to my People, you'll agree it won't be her last.
Tricia Boutté grew up in a very musical family that also
includes her aunt, legendary jazz vocalist Lillian Boutté. At one time, Tricia worked as a
secretary for Allen Toussaint's Sea Saint studios. When Allen found out she could sing, he invited
her to do some session work. Allen liked what he heard so much, Tricia was signed to NYNO.
In addition to singing soul and R&B, Tricia, as Sista Teedy, leads a New Orleans reggae
band called Cool Riddims, who have recently released their NYNO debut,
Pledge to my People,.
FAQs
Sista Teedy, share with us your favorite Jazz Fest memory.
"The sea of people. Our very first Jazz Fest, the band was together for three weeks
and we got picked to play at Jazz Fest. Before we walked on stage, the biggest crowd we had
ever performed to was at Café Brazil, 120 people, and to have this sea of people standing
out in front of the stage. There is nothing that can beat that feeling. I will perform for
two people like I will perform for 2000. Being in a band, together for just a few months,
and to have people enjoy you like that, that was the best part."
What are your five favorite records in your personal collection?
Charlie Hunter - "Natty Dread" Jazz version of all Bob Marley songs off of "Natty Dread" album
What is the title of your favorite song that you wrote?
Bob Marley - "Kaya"
My first jazz CD I did in Finland with the Riverside Rascals
Steel Pulse - "Earth Crisis"
My verve collection of Billie Holiday stuff
"Thanks & Praise" - which is the first song I ever wrote.
What is your favorite song written by someone else?
It's gonna sound like I am kissing up to the boss, but I am not. "With You In Mind"
by Allen Toussaint.
Do you have any advice to musicians and song writers?
You have to know the business side of the business you want to be in. Get lots of
books, talk to a lot of people. Don't sign anything unless you know exactly what it is
you are signing. Especially around here in New Orleans, I have seen a lot of artists sign
bad contracts. Then the artists don't take the time to find out things until it is too late.
Even artists like James Brown and Willie Nelson have been in situations where they had no
idea of what was going on in the business end. So they end up owing the tax man and everybody
else in the world millions of dollars.
Where is the best place to eat in New Orleans?
My grandmother's house, and my house; that is another one of my dreams, to open a
restaurant.
Where is the best place to catch live music in New Orleans?
Little neighborhood places: Donna's, Joe's Cozy Corner...
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Springtime
When is your birthday?
August 31st
Press
Offbeat
"Sista Teedy brings an elegance and maturity to her singing rarely heard in jazz singers much less reggae vocalists. And Cool Riddims obliges not only with restraint but also a fine array of wah-wah guitar leads and nicely angled horn charts that add both variety and welcome passages from the world of music beyond reggae."
--Roger Hahn
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Cool Riddims
& Sista Teedy
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