I amy very proud and happy to have joined this unique sea-shanty ensemble recently, just in time for a video shoot last month (for the 3d season of HBO's "Treme" series), also in time for Chaz Fest on Wednesday (day after tomorrow), and for the upcoming CD-release party at the Saturn Bar in 5/19, marking the release of the group's second album "From the Straits of St. Claude."

Chaz Fest started a few years ago as a mid-week all-day alternative to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, showcasing local bands NOT invited to the big-time festival held every year on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May. By now, several ChazFest artists HAVE made it to the big JazzFest stage, but they still contribute their talents to their own little homegrown festival.

Shantyman Alex McMurray was first exposed to the sea-shanty tradition ~ and, indeed, had to learn an extensive repertoire of maritime music ~ while working at Japan Disneyland, portraying the shanty-singing character "Captain Sandy."

The chorus was assembled several years ago for a one-time only recording opportunity, but the participants had so much fun that the group just HAD to reassemble periodically for another show. (Most group members, especially those who play instruments, have other committments on a regular basis. Several, in fact, are members of two or more other bands in addition to the VMC.)

I also belong to a more traditionally-oriented shanty group, the N.O. Quarter Shanty Krewe, founded and led by KC King, a former member of Folk Legacy recording artists The Boarding Party. I generally try to explain the different approaches of the two groups by analogy: The Valparaisos are to the NOQSK as the Pogues are to the Chieftains (i.e., "punk"-ish as comparted to traditionalist).

Here's a video from the 2007 Chaz Fest, which was either the first or second time the event was held:

VMC at ChazFest '07

Shanty enthusiasts, in my experience, tend to value rowdiness, informality, and a "ragged-but-right" sensibility. The Valparaiso Men's Chorus takes these values to new heights ~ perhaps beyond the limits of some folks' tastes. Whatca think?