Four men keep a century-old vocal tradition alive in New Orleans

Four-part harmony rang out on a recent evening near Canal Street in New Orleans. The sound comes from Southern Tradition, a group formed in 1999 that continues a vocal tradition older than the city’s modern skyline.

The quartet consists of four men with distinct day jobs. Karl Hansen, a doctor, sings bass. Hansen Eschette, a medical technician, handles the tenor line. Joe Jacquat, a civil engineer, sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac, the group’s only practicing barber, sings lead.

Hansen described the core requirement for singing in the group: "The main attribute to be a barbershop quartet singer is to not be embarrassed, just keep going." He added that years of performing together allow the members to anticipate each other’s movements. "Being together for a long time helps us harmonize and understand where the other person is going," Hansen said.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer and member of the larger vocal group NOLA Vox, noted that New Orleans holds a unique position in this genre. "It really is the nexus of American music at its most basic level and a lot of it comes from New Orleans," Matherne said. He pointed to local legend Louis Armstrong, who performed in a vocal quartet before he ever played a horn.

The art form has traditionally been male, but female voices have gained traction in recent years. Sarah Todd, a singer, called the competition "a lot of fun." Matt Ridley, another local singer, said the group relies on women for higher ranges. "We need the ladies to hit the high notes," Ridley said. "We do have some gentlemen, but they’re not as attractive."

These local singers perform for passion rather than pay. They practice every couple of weeks. Matherne noted that New Orleans last hosted a major international competition in 1992 at the Superdome. For Southern Tradition, the goal remains simple: to make the parts fit together perfectly.

Ridley described the result of that effort. "I think it’s beautiful, when you learn the parts really well and it all comes together it’s really amazing," he said.