Contrary to popular thought, the Subdudes' new album "Behind the Levee" wasn't written in reaction to the devastation Hurricane Katrina wreaked on the band's hometown of New Orleans.
"The album was finished and the album title was chosen before Katrina was even a storm," bassist Tim Cook said by phone from Long Island, N.Y. "The album title comes from the first song on the album, 'Papa Dukie & the Mud People.' The term 'behind the levee' refers to a place where my bandmates would go to make out with girls, sneak a cigarette or a joint or a swig of beer. And the song 'Papa Dukie & the Mud People' is about a traveling band that would come to town.
"And when it did, it was like a circus. They'd set up camp and play a mix of jazz, blues and hippie music."
"Behind the Levee" was produced by blues singer/songwriter Keb' Mo.' "Keb' worked us hard," said Cook. "He changed a few things around in some songs and slowed the tempo in a couple of others. Not only did he work us hard, but he worked hard himself."
Cook has been the bassist for the Subdudes since its rebirth in 2001. But he had known the guys — mandolinist/drummer Steve Amedee, keyboardist John Magnie, vocalist/lead guitarist Tommy Malone and guitarist Jimmy Messa — since the late 1980s. He was even the band's tour manager in 1994 to 1996.
When the band broke up, he formed a trio called the 3 Twins with Amedee and Magnie. But when the three rejoined Malone's Tommy Malone band, Cook, whose influences range from Tennessee Ernie Ford to Louis Prima, was kept on as a bassist and songwriter.
"So to make a long story short, they asked me to help out, and I did," Cook said with a laugh. "But really, I thought my playing days were over. I was working as a producer and other behind-the-scenes jobs. But Tommy and Steve encouraged me to pick up my bass again. And I love what I'm doing.
"It is one huge reward being in a band with these guys. To me, Tommy and Steve are like Lennon and McCartney. And it's so great to be able to write songs and perform with them."
If you go
What: The Subdudes
Where: The Forum in the Canyons, Park City
When: Saturday, 6 p.m.
How much: Free
E-mail: scott@desnews.com