PattyLeerecords Booking info and Q&A

Hollywood: ARMAND ST. MARTIN, the sizzlin' hot piano player from New Orleans, can't rest his flyin' fingers for very long between performances in the Big Difficult where music has always been a legendary outlet for enjoyment by local citizens and tourists alike.

St. Martin's upbeat rollicking piano-style (combined with his make-you-wanna-smile & tap-your-feet catchy originals that make you want to sing-along, as well as his quirky, obscure local cover songs) is the basis for all his popular shows whether solo or with his band, The Bayou Bohemians.

"His fingers fly across the piano keys like you can't believe," a Loyola student said recently. "I've never seen anybody play that fast in my life!"

A visiting medical conventioneer from Ohio, mentioned at the Ritz, "I love the way he wants us all to have a good time and understand the essence of New Orleans."

"When he's performing, you can see his smile across a crowded room," said an 80-year-old attendee at a recent St. Martin holiday show.

An avid lover of his hometown, pianoman St. Martin's music style and song lyrics reflect Louisiana in a way nostalgic to local New Orleanians, and is fresh to visitors who enjoy a piece of music memory every time they visit this unique, magical, musical city.

One Washington and Lee co-ed, Laura Denny, home for Christmas in New Orleans, showed up at a concert with a handful of friends. Her custom-handmade t-shirt summed it all up. It simply said, "Armand "Sizzlin'" St. Martin!

The Los Angeles Times has described St. Martin as "Non-Stop Entertainment!"

ARMAND ST. MARTIN'S NEW ORLEANS JANUARY MUSIC SCHEDULE:

January 1, 2007 New Years Morning:
WWL-TV
"The Morning Show with Sally Ann
Roberts and Eric Paulsen"
Armand St. Martin, special guest
6 am - 9 am
Also: Re-runs on Cable

Happy New Year, January 1, 2007. Armand and the WWL-TV Morning Show team

with Sally Ann Roberts. Photo by Patty Lee.

January 2:
Southport Hall
"Pat Jolly's Annual Silly Hat Party"
10 pm - 2 am
Armand St. Martin, keyboardist for house band

January 3:
JCC
"ACE Program" Happy New Year
Armand St. Martin (solo)
1 pm - 2 pm

January 3:
The Ritz
"The Lobby Lounge on Trois"
"Tigers Will Win Show!"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
9 pm - 1 am

January 4:
The Ritz
"The French Quarter Bar"
Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians
9 pm - 1 am

January 5:
The Ritz
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 pm

January 6:
The Ritz
"The Library Lounge"
"Twelfth Night Show"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 1 am

January 7 - 10:
In studio, recording

January 11:
The Ritz
"The French Quarter Bar"
Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians
9 pm - 1 am

January 12:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 pm

January 13:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
"Special Win-Saints Show!"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 8 pm; 10 pm - 1 am

January 14:
The COLUMNS HOTEL
"Sunday Jazz Brunch"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
11 am - 3 pm

January 15:
JCC
"ACE Program" (private)
Armand St. Martin (solo)
1 pm - 2 pm

January 16 - 17:
In studio, mixing new Mardi Gras song
written with Al "Carnival Time" Johnson

January 18:
The RITZ
"The French Quarter Bar"
Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians
9 pm - 1 am

January 19:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 pm

January 20:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 pm

January 21: TBA

January 22:
JCC
"ACE Program" (private)
Armand St. Martin (solo)
11 am - 12 noon

January 23: TBA

January 24:
LE CHAT NOIR
The Gridiron Club (press members)
Armand St. Martin (solo)
8 pm

January 25:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 am

January 26:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
5 pm - 10 pm

January 27:
The RITZ
"The Library Lounge"
Armand St. Martin (solo)
6 pm - 11 pm

January 28:
GENERATIONS HALL
"Irma Thomas Birthday
Fundraiser for Grace House"
Armand St. Martin (solo for Patrons Party) & also
Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians
(band Opens for Irma Thomas)
Patron Party, 6 pm - 7 pm; Show at 7 pm

January 29:
JCC
"ACE Program" (private)
Armand St. Martin (solo)
11am - 12 noon

January 30, 31: TBA

"A friendly atmosphere, high spirits and plenty of dancing rhythms are what St. Martin’s gigs are really all about. Best of all was the undefinable way in which St. Martin connected with his audience. Non-Stop Entertainment!” – The Los Angeles Times, Performance Review, Pop Music

For Immediate Release:

PLEASE KEEP ARMAND ST. MARTIN IN MIND FOR
FUTURE BOOKINGS AND/OR LISTINGS. THANK YOU.

Musician-About-Town
Songwriter - PianoMan
ARMAND ST. MARTIN
KEEPIN’ BUSY DURING
POST-K NEW ORLEANS
CARNIVAL SEASON

New Orleans: Local New Orleans musician, ARMAND ST. MARTIN
kicked off his 2007 as guest musician on WWL-TV’s Morning Show,
early January 1ST when he helped the show’s hosts ring in the
New Year with his upbeat songs about New Orleans.

Wake-Up New Orleans! This piano-man is not-to-be-missed.

Highlights of St. Martin’s January engagements included being
invited as the only guest performer for the Patron’s Party at
Generations Hall for Irma Thomas’ 66th Birthday where he
entertained solo – a performance which was also televised
throughout the venue on numerous large screens.

When Irma Thomas’ birthday benefit then opened its doors later
that same evening to the general public, Armand St. Martin
and his The Bayou Bohemians opened Irma’s concert at this
same venue for her Grace House fundraiser.

At one point in this show, St. Martin’s upbeat, polished set
highlighted one of his singers, Judy Spellman, who belted back-up
vocals on “Lipstick Traces”, a New Orleans hit originally recorded
by her father, the legendary Benny Spellman.

Another St. Martin surprise was an encore he shared with his
special friend and guest Al “Carnival Time” Johnson who
graciously joined St. Martin and his band on stage for several
exciting rounds of Johnson’s Mardi Gras smash hit, “Carnival Time”.

Congratulations Irma for the long overdue Grammy!

In January, St. Martin also performed for the New Orleans
Press Club’s annual Gridiron event at Le Chat Noir, as well
as for numerous private holiday parties and regular appearances
for the ACE program, and the ARC.

Also back by popular demand, St. Martin charmed diners at
the Columns Hotel Sunday Jazz Brunch, and performed at the
RITZ Library Lounge for 150 members in a type of Tails of the Cock
Cocktail club while they enjoyed their cocktails to the local sounds
of St. Martin’s lively New Orleans music.

The newly-reopened and elegantly renovated RITZ hotel featured
Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians every Thursday night
in their French Quarter Bar (FQB) where the band rocked hard
throughout the months of December and January.

Armand St. Martin also sizzled on the grand piano with his original songs
and congenial personality for patrons in the RITZ Library Lounge
every Friday and Saturday nights throughout the months of December,
January and February.

St. Martin's Mardi Gras and Carnival time engagements were highlighted
with engagements for several popular krewe parties.

February appearances also included a private party at the Basin
Street Station for a 50th Wedding Anniversary with
Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Armand St. Martin and his Bayou
Bohemians, as well as a Mardi Gras Indian. This party, produced
by St. Martin and Patty Lee, featured St. Martin as music director
as well being the leader of the band.

RECAP: ARMAND ST. MARTIN’S NEW ORLEANS MUSIC FOR FEBRUARY:

Feb. 1
Armand St. Martin
“Back By Popular Demand!”
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm

Feb. 2
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm

Feb. 3
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm

Feb. 5
Armand St. Martin
The ARC (Program for
Challenged Adults), 10 am

Feb. 5
Armand St. Martin
ACE Program (Program for Alzheimer’s)
Subsidized by the New Orleans
Musicians Clinic Fund, 11 am

Feb. 7
Armand St. Martin
Poydras Home
Annual Mardi Gras Party
To “Crown the King and Queen
Of Poydras Home”
(also members of Krewe of
Thoth and a marching band)

Feb. 8
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm

Feb. 9
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
6 pm – 11 pm

Feb. 10
Armand St. Martin
“Mardi Gras Show”
RITZ Library Lounge
6 pm – 11 pm
Canal Street
No cover; validated pkg.

Feb. 12
Armand St. Martin
The ARC (Program for
Challenged Adults), 10 am

Feb. 12
Armand St. Martin
ACE Program (Alzheimer’s)
Subsidized by the New Orleans
Musicians Clinic Fund, 11 am

Feb. 15
Armand St. Martin
“Day After Valentine’s Music!”
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm
Canal Street
No cover; validated pkg.

Feb. 16
Armand St. Martin
and his Bayou Bohemians
Le Krewe d'Etat Party
Private party

Feb.17
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
“Mardi Gras Is Here!”
6 pm – 11 pm
Canal Street

Feb. 18
Armand St. Martin
and his Bayou Bohemians
Private Club during
Bacchus Parade

Feb. 19
Armand St. Martin
“Mardi Gras Music”
The ARC, 10 am

Feb. 19
Armand St. Martin
“Mardi Gras Mambo Singalong”
ACE Program (for Alzheimer’s)
Subsidized by the New Orleans
Musicians Clinic Fund, 11 am

Feb. 19
Armand St. Martin
Le Krewe of Richelieu
Tujaques on Decatur
Private party

Feb. 20
Armand St. Martin says:
“MARDI GRAS DAY!”

Feb. 22
Armand St. Martin
“After Ash Wednesday Thursday!”
RITZ Library Lounge
5 pm – 10 pm
Canal Street
No cover

Feb. 23
Armand St. Martin
“TGIF–Thank Goodness It’s Friday!”
RITZ Library Lounge
6 pm – 11 pm
Canal Street
No cover

Feb. 24
Al “Carnival Time” Johnson
Featuring Armand St. Martin
and his Bayou Bohemians
including Mardi Gras Indian
Basin Street Station
Private Wedding Party

Feb. 26
Armand St. Martin
The ARC, 10 am

Feb. 26
Armand St. Martin
ACE Program
Musicians Clinic, 11 am

Feb. 29
Armand St. Martin
RITZ Library Lounge
Canal Street
5 pm – 10 pm

March dates TBA and include:

Back By Popular Demand!
ARMAND ST. MARTIN (solo) in the
RITZ Library Lounge, every Thursday,
Friday and Saturday, 6 pm - 11 pm

Armand St. Martin’s music:

PattyLeeRecords.com

ArmandStMartin.com

LouisianaMusicFactory.co

Amazon.com

also

Borders Music Books Cafe

Ritz New Orleans Signature Gift Shop

ARMAND ST. MARTIN CONCERT AND

PERFORMANCE HISTORY

NEW ORLEANS:

The Ritz Melange (various; with Marva Wright; solo for Sunday Brunch)

The Ritz French Quarter Bar (multiple; with Bayou Bohemians)

The Ritz On Trois Lounge (multiples, Sunday Brunches)

The Ritz Library Lounge (regular every Friday and Saturday)

New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

The Louisiana Superdome (outdoor entrance)

The Alligator Ball (multiples)

The 501 Club

The Foundry

Tipitinas (uptown New Orleans, multiples)

Tipitinas (French Quarter, multiples)

Storyville (annual headliner for Mardi Gras; until changed name to Margaritaville)

Margaritaville (headliner)

New Orleans Sheraton (ATHE Conference)

Dream Palace (headliner)

Johnny Jay’s (headliner)

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World (Music Director, performer and producer with Patty Lee for special event for Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's 66th Birthday)

Maxwell’s Jazz Cabaret

Audubon Zoo (Earth Day)

Tower Records (multiple in-house performances at Jazz Fest time)

Louisiana Music Factory (multiple in-house performances)

Municipal Auditorium (children’s musical)

WWOZ-Radio (multiple live performances on-air)

WNOE-Radio (live performance on-air)

WWL-Radio

WWL-TV (multiple guest appearances)

WNOE-TV

WSMB-Radio

WTUL-Radio (guest DJ, multiple)

WDSU-TV (guest, "6 On Your Side" with Norman Robinson)

WWNO-RADIO

WYES-TV (Peggy Laborde's "Steppin' Out")

Br'er Rabbit Festival (headliner, Laura Plantation)

Caribbean “Jump-Up” (multiples, headliner, Victoria Inn and Gardens dockside events)

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar (headliner, multiples)

Vic’s Kangaroo (headliner, multiples)

Ernst Cafe

Rosy's Jazz Hall

The Cahn’s Springtime Shrimp Boils

Vaughn's

Tujaque’s (private Mardi Gras parties, headliner, multiples)

Tommy’s Cuisine (New Years Eve 04, Jazz Fest 05))

Victoria Inn and Gardens (headliner, multiple special events, Lafitte, La.)

House on Bayou Road (headliner, special event honoring Wardell Quezergue)

St. Anna's Episcopal Church

Mother-In-Law Lounge, Rock 'n Bowl (Music Director and performer for special fundraisers, “Dyin’ To Get In” with Oliver "Who Shot The La La" Morgan, Jonno, Charles Otis, Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Armand "Sizzlin'" St. Martin and more)

Louisiana Jukebox (guest appearance, television program)

Laura Plantation (“The Gardens”, grand opening)

Louisiana State University Free Speech Plaza (headliner with Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Mardi Gras)

Fairmont Hotel (special appearance with drummer Bob Doyle)

New Orleans Country Club (special appearance)

The Fair Grinds (Jazz Fest time, 2006)

Channels 4, 6, 8 and 38 (multiples)

The ARC Adult Daycare Center (multiples)

Brigtsen's (special performance for Mr. & Mrs. Oreck of vacuum cleaner fame)

Southport Hall (in houseband with Jerry Jumonville for Pat Jolly's Silly Hat Party)

WWL-TV “Morning Show” (multiples, house-band for Lundi Gras, 2006; New Year's Day morning, 2007)

Parkway Bakery Tavern (also with Midnight Streetcar)

Private parties, Mansion parties, Mardi Gras krewe parties, Wedding parties, etc. (headliner, multiples)

ACE Program (multiples, for Alzheimer's folks)

JCC Senior Citizen’s special events (headliner, multiples)

Soup Kitchens (in Chalmette, St. Bernard soon after Katrina)

Columns Hotel Jazz Brunch (headliner, multiples)

Cafe Reconcile (headliner, multiple fundraisers)

Ponchartrain Hotel Bayou Bar (multiples, happy hour)

Antoinette and Ernie K-Doe's Mother in Law Lounge (multiples, Midnight Saturdays)

The W Hotel (headliner, Mardi Gras private party, multiples))

The University of New Orleans (Lab Theatre)

The Cabildo (multiples, headliner)

WDSU-TV (special segment/pre-recorded interview with Alec Gifford)

The Broadmoor Fest (with Ernest "Box" Fontenot)

The Ogden Museum Afterhours (with Al "Carnival Time" Johnson; with Jay Chevalier)

Le Chat Noir (Press Club, special event)

The Preservation Resource Center (Tour of Holiday Homes, fundraiser, Vinson Mansion)

The debut New Orleans Blues Festival (produced by the Jazz Fest Foundation, with Guitar Slim, Jr.)

Bowl Me Under

Rock n Bowl (multiples; Marva Wright's Welcome Home show with Amanda Shaw, Al Johnson, Mardi Gras Indians, Armand, Marva and others)

Generations Hall (headliner for Patrons party; open for Irma Thomas Birthday Fundraiser for Grace House)

Landmark Canal Place Theatre (Produced with Patty Lee and performer for world premier of "Orleans Lullaby" song featured for "Katrina Artistically Revisited", an annual event)

Basin Street Station (Music Director and performer with Al "Carnival Time" Johnson, Judy Spellman, Charles Otis, Tommy Fitzpatrick and the Bayou Bohemians, produced by Patty Lee)

The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans (regular every Thursday, Friday, and Saturdaysince reopening, Dec. 06)

LOS ANGELES:

Madame Wongs West (top draw in their history, multiples)
Alligator Lounge (headliner, multiples)
Luna Park (multiples)
Guava (headliner, multiples)
At My Place (headliner)
Bryn Mawr Country Club (headliner)
Blue Lagoon (headliner, multiples)
Hollywood Palm (headliner, multiples)
The Brisson Family Encino Events (multiples)
Carlos n’ Charlies on Sunset Strip (headliner, multiples)
Madame Wongs East (headliner, Chinatown)
Music Machine (multiples)
The Royce Applegate All-Time Good-Time Salons (multiples)
Club Lingerie (headliner)
The Ataman (headliner)
Mardi Gras Restaurant (headliner, multiples)
The Davis Family Special Events (multiples)
The Country Club (multiples)
Green Valley Lake (headliner, 4th of July event)
Long Beach Mardi Gras Festival (headliner)
Bayou Wedding (re-created in a soundstage in Hollywood with a full bayou set)
UCLA Mardi Gras (headliner)

Pro-bono appearances (multiples, including nursing homes and grade schools)

VARIOUS ADDITIONAL VENUES (to list a few):

Soundstage-TV (Chicago, for Epic Records act)
MTV (rock video for Epic Records act)
Fitzgerald’s (Houston, multiples, with Satisfaction)
Steamboat (Austin, with Satisfaction)
Soap Creek Saloon (Austin, with Satisfaction)
Levi Ride and Tie (Eureka, Ca., special event for Levi Jeans, with Rio Loco))
Fortuna Rodeo (Fortuna, Ca., with Rio Loco)
Saratoga Performing Arts Center (Saratoga, NY, for Epic Records act))
Indian Reservation Concert (Happy Camp, Ca., with Rio Loco)
KEKA-Radio (Eureka, Ca., guest of DJ Too Tall Timm)
NARAS Music Expo (headliner guest performer, San Francisco)
San Francisco Music Fair (headliner guest performer, S.F. Chapter of the Recording Academy)
KWMR-Radio (Point Reyes Station, Ca., live on-air fundraiser as "Roving New Orleans Reporter")

“Uptempo boogie ragtime piano, Armand’s party music has a bit of blues thrown into the gumbo. Armand calls his music, The Pan Louisiana Sound. It’s clear that Armand wants the world to celebrate Mardi Gras. He made me want to catch the next plane to New Orleans!” - The Music Connection Magazine, Music Review

MUSIC-ORIENTED SPECIAL EVENTS BY ARMAND ST. MARTIN:

Armand St. Martin and Patty Lee Records “Jazz Fest In Exile” (est. 1990)

First Annual Tipitina’s Bacchus Bash (1997; the first band to ever play this Tipitina’s-named event)

Armand St. Martin and Patty Lee Records “Musicians For Other Musicians” (founded 1990) – multiple fundraisers)

Armand St. Martin and Patty Lee Records “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round” concerts (started in 1984; multiples - in the year 2005 we are now in our 21th annual year, and counting, of promoting these concerts all year long with our theme, “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round”)

Armand St. Martin’s Annual Mardi Gras (started 1984; in the year 2005 we are in our 21th annual year, and counting)

Access In Radio (AIR) (founded 1988, 2000)

Fundraisers of Armand St. Martin and Patty Lee's NCCF's with FNOC for The Musicians Tomb titled, "Dyin' To Get In" concert series - Mid-City Lanes "Rock 'n' Bowl, Ernie K-Doe's Mother-In-Law Lounge

The Alligator Ball (musician with Satisfaction during the legendary creation and founding years of Tipitina’s; instrumental in reviving interest in the original Alligator Ball legend at Tipitina's when newer owners took over; also titled a CD in the Alligator Ball's honor)

The National Mardi Gras Foundation (est. 1984)

The Society for Preservation of Lagniappe (started 1984)

Al "Carnival Time" Johnson's 66th Birthday Gala (produced by Patty Lee and Armand St. Martin at Mardi Gras World)

"Katrina Artistically Revisited" (an annual event on the midnight eve of Katrina each year; started August 25-26, 2006 at Canal Place Theatre, co-produced by Patty Lee)

“Armand St. Martin’s Mardi Gras talent is spicy and diverse! The ultimate fantasy experience. This singer has the Mardi Gras spirit throughout the whole year!” – The UCLA Daily Bruin, Most Recommended

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOOKING ARMAND ST. MARTIN:

Q: How can I learn more about Armand St. Martin’s music?
A: Check out www.PattyLeeRecords.com

Q: How long has Armand St. Martin been performing professionally?
A: Since 1966.

Q: How many players are in Armand St. Martin’s band, the Bayou Bohemians?
A: Good question! This answer varies and this is why:

Armand St. Martin is a solo artist who can perform his original songs entirely by himself, armed with his keyboard or piano and his tales of Louisiana.

Armand started out being a “two-man band” with just Armand and his drummer, even though he still called his band, at that time, The Creole Liberation Front (CLF)! It was tongue and cheek since there were only 2 of them, but they rocked like they were a huge band. In fact, this two-man band became the “Top Draw in the History of Madame Wongs West Club in Los Angeles” which was an incredible accomplishment. Even the police were called in one time to turn away customers because the venue was so packed.

"From the old school of New Orleans comes a keyboard shuffler in the spirit of Professor Longhair. Two guys from the French Quarter, St. Martin and his drummer crank out enough boogie-woogie to insure that Mardi Gras should soon be a national legal holiday. Come on down and score some plastic beads!" - Los Angeles Reader, Cindy Lamb, band previews

Armand adds players to his band as necessary. He has a band in Los Angeles, and a band in New Orleans.
The members change now and then depending upon the booking, but every musician he hires is a top-notch player. Many times Armand has special guests sit-in, as well, and oftentimes these are big names in the music industry.

We changed his band name from the Creole Liberation Front (CLF) to the Bayou Bohemians, which seemed like a lighter image for our fun-time music.

“A really cool two-piece band, Armand St. Martin's Creole Liberation Front practice New Orleans-styled roots rock and roll for rabid boogie animals.” – The L.A. Weekly, Most Recommended

Basically, Armand’s regular band consists of: Armand on keyboards and lead vocals, two back-up singers, bass, drums, sax, harmonica, and even fiddle, guitar, or conga drums. It depends on the booking. He’s known to even perform with slide guitars, and steel drums. Usually the band is 6 to 8 band members, but can even be expanded to more players, including entire horn sections.

Backed by his nine-piece hard-hitting band of pros with big reputations, (Armand St. Martin's) ultra-cool, spicy, upbeat, foot-stomping, all-original piano-pumping party of ‘New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll’ oozes that rumba-tinged New Orleans rhythm vibration with vigorous good cheer and skill.” – The L.A. Weekly, Critics Choice

Because Armand’s original songs stand on their own, he is able to fill just about any bill one would request – from one person (himself) to an entire, fully-orchestrated band. He also describes his music as a “Pan Louisiana Sound”.

He’s also been known to be a “guest performer” in other musician’s bands as well, if the tour doesn’t take too much time away from his own music; especially when another recording artist is looking for a sizzlin’ New Orleans-styled piano player. This is exactly how he was picked up to go on the road with an Epic Records recording artist to promote an album release. He not only performed live, but was also in the MTV rock video and other television showcases with this band.

Armand’s Bayou Bohemians consist of seasoned pros. You can read more about his band, as well as his guest players on his recorded music on this website at www.PattyLeeRecords.com. Since they are all highly-talented and working musicians, Armand tries very diligently to fill his music with the very best of players.

“Hot as jambalaya, Armand St. Martin and his incomparable band cook up a spicy New Orleans-styled rock and rhythm. Watch out for this pianist – the man could kill crocodiles with this bare hands!” – KLA-Radio

His longtime L.A. performance band includes Kirk Bruner on drums who played with Melissa Manchester and recorded with her and also with Mac Davis; Marabina Jaimes on back-up vocals who won an Emmy for hosting the PBS children’s show called Storytime; Stanley Behrens on sax and harmonica who has become the lead singer for Canned Heat and is the harmonica often heard on television shows; Stephen Allen on sax who plays with Rita Coolidge; Tom Kolb who has guested on electric guitar who is with Paul Revere and the Raider’s Mark Lindsay’s band and is also Mark’s music director; Hedy Mayer on back-up vocals who has also recorded with Mark Lindsay; and Hurricane Jake Fitzgerald on harmonica who also plays with Dwight Yokam's back-up band when they aren't on the road, to mention a few.

NOTE: See our website about other guest players who have recorded with Armand including Danny Federici who guested on accordion who is keyboardist for Bruce Springsteen; Kenny Gradney who is bassist for Little Feat; Lon Price from the Tower of Power horns; Dony Wynn, drummer for Robert Palmer; Samantha Newark on back-ups who performed as Annie on Broadway when she was 8 years old; Paul Devilliers who did a cameo guitar performance who produced YES and Mr. Mister, to mention a few.

In New Orleans, Armand’s band has included various special guest players such as sErnest "BOX" Fontenot who is Fats Domino's drummer; back-up singers Jessica Graber and Romney Richard both of whom are in the New Orleans Symphony Chorus; drummer Gary Rieger, Tom Herauf on sax, Dave Stover on bass, drummer James Clark, and sax player Jerry Jumonville - who all play with other respected musicians in the New Orleans area also; and grammy-nominated Guitar Slim, Jr. on guitar; to list a few.

Among other shows where he has performed, Armand has also played piano in New Orleans in Marva Wright's Homecoming Show at Rock 'n Bowl and guested with Marva at the Ritz; his band opens for Irma Thomas at Generations Hall; and has shared the stage with musicians including fiddle-teenstar Amanda Shaw, accordion whiz Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes, members of the Wild Magnolias, hall of famer Jay Chevalier, and music icon Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.

Q: Does Armand have a theme to his music concerts?
A: Absolutely! Without question!

When Armand first went “solo” in 1984 in Los Angeles, Armand and Patty Lee at Patty Lee Records, determined that his music was conducive of an unthinkable thought (at the time): “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round”! So we began with his very first booking in 1984 as a Solo Artist by calling every concert from that first show he ever put on as a “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round” concert. Armand loves his hometown of New Orleans and his home state of Louisiana. He is 10 generations New Orleans! And, his show reflects this in his music, his lyrics, his storytelling, and his performances.

"...the Big Easy's prime promoter of Mardi Gras...Armand St. Martin is lobbying to make Mardi Gras a national holiday. 'It's the kind of music that makes people feel good about Mardi Gras because none of my songs (St. Martin says) are negative. I think Mardi Gras can be anytime. It's the ultimate fantasy experience.'" - The Times Picayune, Lagniappe, Betty Guillaud

We started out from day one by passing out Mardi Gras beads, decorating the stage (no matter what time of the year) with Mardi Gras colors purple, green, and gold, confetti, doubloons, masks, the works. It was like a mini-Mardi Gras. We had the band enter from the back of the room, doing a second-line with umbrellas, and horns, or whatever instrument was easy to carry and play while strutting in. We really set the Mardi Gras mood and the "carnival-feeling" stage for a true Mardi Gras experience.

“In an age where pop groups have grown increasingly bland and faceless, Armand St. Martin is the leading edge of boogie-woogie bedlam. He’s a red-hot, two-handed piano pounder in the hallowed New Orleans tradition of Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, and Dr. John. He puts on a Musico-Cultural extravaganza that sets many big bands to shame!” – The L.A. Easy Reader, Feature Story

At first Armand even had to explain to the patrons what Mardi Gras beads were! True. They couldn’t believe they were getting something “for free”; they didn’t understand the New Orleans concept of lagniappe, or “a little something extra”. He’d literally have to go up to each person while his band second-lined, and say, “Here, these beads are for you!” We also had quite a time getting the men to put on the beads and wear them; they couldn’t even imagine, unless they’d personally been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans and most hadn’t!

"The joy of a nationwide Mardi Gras celebration would indeed be something spectacular. I appreciate your sharing your thoughts, and your music, with me. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavors." - former Mayor of Los Angeles, Mayor Tom Bradley

When we first started with this idea, New Orleanians rejected it completely, saying that “there was only one time for Mardi Gras and that was at Mardi Gras”. Armand even argued his position many times including on the radio, and was constantly interviewed about his opinion. Armand believed that it would only enhance public awareness about New Orleans to the world! Thus, we felt that our concentrated efforts on a national level of publicity would bring in more folks to enjoy the “real Mardi Gras” in New Orleans if they could attend.

“Armand St. Martin, a former Tulane student and a one-man Mardi Gras is renowned for his musical originality and vivacious everyday-is-Carnival!” – Tulane Arcade

The proof has been in the pudding. After all these years of us promoting “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round”, which we really faithfully do and keep doing, it did indeed catch on, and it did indeed enhance awareness about New Orleans and Mardi Gras! Folks across America and the world began staging their own small Mardi Gras at different times of the year, including at Mardi Gras time, if they couldn't make it to New Orleans. Over time, it really snowballed, and today there are Mardi Gras celebrations in many, many places.

We feel very proud of the fact that Armand and I put our heads to the grindstone and came up with our original campaign that caught on and became a household slogan, “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round!”

We also collected signatures at concerts since 1984 in an effort to try to make “Mardi Gras A National Holiday!”
And, we wrote politicians about this proposal, even receiving letters back from Mayors, Governors, politicians, and fans.

So in answer to your question about, “Does Armand have a theme to his music?” The answer is positively YES! It’s MARDI GRAS ALL YEAR ‘ROUND! Laissez Le Bon Temps Roulez!

"From the old school of New Orleans comes Armand St. Martin, a keyboardist in the spirit of Professor Longhair, cranking out enough boogie-woogie to insure Mardi Gras should become a national holiday!” – The L.A. Weekly

Q: Does Armand have out any specific Mardi Gras songs he’s penned?
A: Yes, he has two cuts that are Mardi Gras songs. One is called, “Must Be The Mardi Gras” and one is “Back In New Orleans”. Both of these are on his CD, “Alligator Ball”. “Must Be The Mardi Gras” can also be found on various compilation CDs put out by other record labels.

“I enjoyed your music and am looking forward to hearing your cuts on local radio stations. It’s nice to know you’re taking New Orleans to the West Coast.” – former Mayor of New Orleans, Mayor Sidney Barthelemy

Q: How can I buy these Mardi Gras songs?
A: Contact Patty Lee Records by email at info@PattyLeeRecords.com. You can also buy directly from www.Amazon.com and www.LouisianaMusicFactory.com and www.JimRussellRecords.com and www.TowerRecords.com, to list a few. Don’t forget to request “Alligator Ball” which is the CD where these two songs are included.

Q: Are Armand St. Martin’s other songs on his CDs also about Mardi Gras?
A: Armand’s CD’s are full of good-time, upbeat, well-produced original songs that add to his “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round” spirit! His “St. Martin Sound” is infectious, fun, and very well-produced.

“Armand St. Martin’s unique blend of traditional New Orleans boogie and modern rock and roll is the star of the show. . . a new and exciting sound! The spirit of New Orleans!” – The L.A. Easy Reader

Q: Is Armand St. Martin writing any more Mardi Gras songs?

A: Yes he is.

As a matter of fact, he sang one of his Mardi Gras songs on New Orleans television in 2000 which has yet to be released. This great song with his unique thought and title is called, “Everywhere Else It’s Just Tuesday!” He hopes to release this single by next Mardi Gras, especially since so many people he’s reached through the media are starting to use his phrase, “Everywhere Else It’s Just Tuesday!” We heard it just the other day on news coverage of Mardi Gras in New Orleans; however, Armand’s been promoting this original phrase and observation about Mardi Gras day for years now. Keep an eye out also for our Patty Lee Records tee-shirts with our trademark slogans!

"A down-home New Orleans keyboard player with good-timing lyrics has been getting a lot of notice. Armand St. Martin's New Orleans-style rock music has earned him a large local following." - The Hollywood Independent

He also has another Mardi Gras song he wrote several years ago which is about a great carnival krewe in New Orleans called, “Le Krewe d’Etat Is Taking Over Mardi Gras”, also known as "Fat Friday". He hopes to put this on his next CD also. When he wrote this song, no other krewe had a song except for the adapted theme song, “If Ever I Cease To Love” that Rex uses. We think he’s started another new trend because we heard that this Mardi Gras 2005, now another krewe might have come up with a theme song for their parade although this might be an unconfirmed rumor!

Armand’s mind is always churning about Mardi Gras, about “Making Mardi Gras A National Holiday”, about his “Mardi Gras All Year ‘Round” concerts, and his Annual Mardi Gras concerts, so a Mardi Gras song that is clever and different (not just a song about kingcakes and beads) is always in the offing.

“Amid a humid grid of bayous, moonlit carnivals and Ol’ South politics lies New Orleans – a city that torched a romance with the wild life and seldom finds its natives with both feet on the ground. N’awlins hometown boy Armand St. Martin stocked his piano with tales of the Mardi Gras and headed for Los Angeles. St. Martin’s show has melted the wrought iron right off Bourbon Street balconies! This Southern gentleman, if cut, would bleed Tabasco!” – L.A. Weekly, Cindy Lamb, Critics Choice

Q: Does Armand St. Martin have songs that aren’t only about Mardi Gras?
A: Absolutely.

Armand’s songwriting covers all kinds of subjects just like any good songwriter would do. His concerts are Mardi Gras–oriented, but he brilliantly weaves all his songs into his concerts which are also highlighted with well-written and well-presented vignettes that are interesting and memorable.

"By pounding out his own brand of New Orleans music, Armand St. Martin is following in the footsteps of Dr. John, Allen Toussaint and Fats Domino, by boiling down the essense of New Orleans with fiery piano playing." - The West Bank Guide, Feature Story

Q: Does Armand St. Martin have CDs I can purchase?
A: Yes. Alligator Ball (CD), Sizzlin' (CD), Last Time In Texas (CD single), Must Be The Mardi Gras/St. Expedite (45 LP), Be Your Own Parade (cassette), ContraFlow (CD single by Dr. Rap and the Sound Surgeon). You can go to www.PattyLeeRecords.com or back to the homepage to learn more about his releases.

“Alligator Ball” CD has been recently digitally re-mastered; and “Sizzlin’” CD is sizzlin'!
These two CDs are also for sale at:
www.PattyLeeRecords.com
www.Amazon.com
www.LouisianaMusic.com
www.JimRussellRecords.com
www.VictoriaInn.com
www.LauraPlantation.com
www.TowerRecords.com

“Be forewarned, this CD (Sizzlin’) is a mood elevator of the first order! If you are in a low mood or a ‘bad space’ as the shrinks say, keep this CD out of your player, at risk of finding yourself tapping your feet and snapping your fingers. Listening to this CD makes you want to see St. Martin live, as you can hear the great joy of a born entertainer in his big baritone voice. He loves to tell a story with his songs, and you can hear him smiling when you get it; he wants you, the listener, in on the deal, and it works on every song. It is good ol’ New Orleans rock and roll served up ‘sizzlin’ hot!” – Beatstreet Magazine, Bob Compton, music critic

Q: Where can I read more about Armand St. Martin’s music?
A: Contact: info@PattyLeeRecords.com or go back to the home page.

We are nearly finished with our link of the reviews of Armand’s live concerts up to date, and these are really worth reading to give you an idea of what his live show is like. You can read what the critics say briefly on this webpage by enjoying the various quotes in red. You can also find links to information about our players, about the making of the music and recordings, about the songs themselves, and even about the cover art!

So check out: www.PattyLeeRecords.com or go back to the home page

“Native New Orleanian singer/songwriter/’keyboard wizard’ Armand St. Martin has been packing ‘em in for over a decade of Fat Tuesdays with his rock-solid, sizzling showmanship! - The L.A. Weekly, Critics Choice

Q: Is it true that Armand St. Martin and Patty Lee came up with the description of “New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll” and New Orleans Rock to describe Armand’s music?
A: Yes, this is true.

“A singer/songwriter performer, Armand St. Martin’s roots go back to sounds of New Orleans, with a musical style he has dubbed ‘New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll’, and rightly so! – The Tulane Arcade

When Armand first decided to go solo with his original songs in Los Angeles, we found it difficult to describe his musical sound to reviewers and potential customers and club owners. Remember, this was in 1984 and believe it or not, people outside of Louisiana still imagined that the term New Orleans music meant only one thing: jazz.

It was extremely hard making that cross-over connection for people outside of Louisiana. First we analyzed what was happening, then we realized that Armand was in a small group of "new" New Orleans players at the time, so we first publicized that he should be considered as “new” New Orleans music to distinguish it from jazz. Very few had even heard of Professor Longhair and Dr. John back then, unless they were already fans of music coming out of New Orleans. But the everyday person, including radio, did not understand what was occurring with New Orleans music and how it might be evolving.

"A foot-stomping show!" - The Santa Monica Outlook, Most Recommended

After publicizing, the “new” New Orleans music angle, we realized we still weren’t totally accomplishing our goal of describing Armand’s music which encompassed all kinds of Louisiana musical influences, i.e. his “Pan Louisiana Sound”.

Soon we figured out that we’d just have to name Armand’s music something new but that sounded familiar; we came up with “New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll”, which hadn't been used before. Thus, we’ve been promoting his music and his concerts as “New Orleans Rock ‘n’ Roll” since 1984, which has worked very well for us, and which we still use to this day. It also evolved to a shortened version of New Orleans Rock.

"Armand St. Martin's business card makes an appealingly simple representation: 'New Orleans Rock 'n' Roll. What the pianist-singer had to offer at his annual Mardi Gras party, however, was a bit more expansive, with a parade, Mardi Gras beads and non-stop entertainment!" - The Los Angeles Times, Pop Music Reviews

Nobody else describes their music quite this way but us. Armand’s originals are rock and roll, he’s from New Orleans, and his concerts are like the good-time feel of the 50’s rock and roll with an updated twist! So it all makes good sense.

“Armand’s congeniality was a large part of the evening’s success. Warming measurably to the crowd, he started telling anecdotes about his original songs. When Armand left the stage, the audience demanded an encore. He came back with his lively original, ‘Rollin’ In The Dough’, inducing more than two-thirds of the club patrons to form a human dancing chain which hopped about the concert venue for a good ten minutes!” – The Music Connection Magazine, Performance Review

Q: How do I book Armand St. Martin and his Bayou Bohemians?
A: Contact: www.PattyLeeRecords.com or info@PattyLeeRecords.com

When you contact us, we can work with you to best understand your needs and desires to insure we offer you the best original New Orleans experience we can, via Armand’s original music.

"No mere slew of Prof. Longhair or Wild Tchoupitoulas covers here, rather, St. Martin specializes in an all-original show; stomping, upbeat tunes that encompass rock, Cajun, jazz and R & B, all put across with a piano that walks, talks, rants and raves!" - L.A. Weekly, Jonny Whiteside, Scoring the Clubs

Q: How can I hire Armand St. Martin to guest in my band or record for me so I can have his hot New Orleans piano sound on my music?
A: Contact: www.PattyLeeRecords.com or info@PattyLeeRecords.com
Depending upon what the booking requires, we can discuss these options with you.

Q: How much does Armand St. Martin charge?
A: Contact: www.PattyLeeRecords.com or info@PattyLeeRecords.com

When you contact us, we can try to work out a price that fits your budget. Each booking is unique, including the cost. We try very hard to work with clients to insure a good time for them.

What is figured into the cost of a live concert are facts which include:
1. How many players are desired
2. What type of event are you promoting
3. What is your budget for the music
4. How long do you want the band to perform
5. What is the vicinity of the booking and is travel and lodging a part of the arrangement
6. Are you decorating or are we
7. What is the size of the venue
8. What is the lead-time until your event

"St. Martin turns loose high spirits! - romping easily across a range of styles from Professor Longhair boogie and Cajun rhythms to urban R & B and rock and roll. His voice has a strong roots quality. Non-Stop Entertainment!" - The Los Angeles Times, Don Heckman, Performance Review, Pop Music

Q: Can you tell me again how to book Armand St. Martin?
A: TO BOOK ARMAND ST. MARTIN for CONCERTS, FESTIVALS, PRIVATE GALAS and SOIREES, SALONS and SPECIAL EVENTS, and TO INQUIRE ABOUT RATES: Contact us, at info@PattyLeeRecords.com

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