Southern Tradition Quartet Sustains New Orleans Barbershop Heritage

New Orleans has maintained a strong connection to four-part a cappella singing for more than a century. On a recent evening in Mid City, the group Southern Tradition performed near Canal Street, continuing a local practice that dates back to the early 20th century.

The quartet formed in 1999 and consists of four men who work in different fields. Karl Hansen serves as a doctor and sings bass. Hansen Eschette is a medical technician who handles the tenor part. Joe Jacquat works as a civil engineer and sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac is the group's lead singer and the only member who works as a professional barber.

Karl Hansen described the performance style as requiring singers to remain unselfconscious. "The main attribute to be a barbershop quartet singer is to not be embarrassed, just keep going," Hansen said. He noted that their long-term collaboration allows them to anticipate each other's movements during performances. "Being together for a long time helps us harmonize and understand where the other person is going," he added.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer who performs with the larger group NOLA Vox, identified the city as a central hub for this genre. Matherne pointed to the local legacy of Louis Armstrong, who participated in a vocal quartet before beginning his career as a trumpet player. "Louis Armstrong was in a vocal quartet before he ever started playing a horn," Matherne said. Matherne's group NOLA Vox also created The Dreamers, a coed barbershop quartet that includes female vocalists.

Local singers expressed enthusiasm for the inclusion of women in a traditionally male art form. Sarah Todd, who sings in a female group, said, "It’s a lot of fun to see where you stack up against somebody else." Matt Ridley, a male singer, commented on the specific vocal roles. "We need the ladies to hit the high notes," Ridley said. "We do have some gentlemen, but they’re not as attractive."

The members of Southern Tradition perform for enjoyment rather than financial gain. Matherne noted that the last international barbershop competition held in New Orleans took place in 1992 at the Superdome. While the city has hosted large events in the past, local groups prioritize camaraderie and musical precision. The members of Southern Tradition gather every couple of weeks to rehearse and perform.

Matt Ridley emphasized the satisfaction of technical mastery. "I think it’s beautiful, when you learn the parts really well and it all comes together it’s really amazing," Ridley said. The group continues to meet in Mid City, maintaining a vocal tradition that persists in a city known for its diverse musical history.