On Friday, September 17, WWOZ will broadcast singer/guitarist John Mooney and Bluesiana — a unique blend of Delta blues and Crescent City funk — live from the 12 Bar on Fulton Street in New Orleans. The performance and broadcast are sponsored by LetsBeTotallyClear.org, providing a smoke-free environment for the musicians, staff, and audience.

About John Mooney

In 1976 John moved to New Orleans and immersed himself in that city’s vibrant music scene. John regularly played with the likes of Earl King, The Meters, Snooks Eaglin, and Professor Longhair, ultimately combining the sounds of the delta (he claims Son House as a strong influence) with the syncopated rhythms of the Crescent City to create his own unique style.

Since 1981 he has been touring with his group, the Bluesiana Band, performing throughout the U.S., Canada, Panama, Europe, Australia, and Japan. Over the years John and his band have earned a musical reputation that have gained them invitations to play at numerous folk, jazz, and blues festivals across the globe, including the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Newport Folk Festival, the Chicago Blues Festival, and a yearly appearance at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

In 2000 Mooney released “Gone to Hell,” with Dr. John adding some extra spice. His newest disc, “Big Ol’ Fiya” with special guest Jon Cleary has been a long time coming, but Mooney has brought some profound musical styles and songwriting to his signature syncopated delta blues sound.