Al Brassell (Jambeaux)

Any audience can expect a fully modern PA and lighting system that is tailored in size and power to fit the particular venue and event. I am also able to deliver patriotic songs as well Christmas carols during the season. I do not use any sheet music or digital tablets as everything is committed to memory. I have been asked from time to time to supply printed song lists in order that audience member may request songs that they wish to hear.

My people originate from a part of the South known for crawdads, catfish and gators. We are known as Cajuns. in fact I got my nickname, Jambeaux, from my Cajun friends and relatives. I have traveled the world doing many different things but mostly playing music. Although I have seen a lot of places and played many types of music, I am still deeply influenced by the swampy Delta sound from my childhood. I guess you would say it makes me who I am.
My early attempts at playing my first guitar at the age of 14 produced some very humble results. Practice paid off because it was not long before people would ask me to their parties and invite me to play along. The Cajun culture encourages a blending of the old and new, so it was natural for a 14 year old guitarist to be playing music with an 80 year old fiddler.
Cajun parties often last for days among close family and friends, and there is always music. These gatherings allowed me to get much needed practice, and I definitely learned a lot. I discovered when people like your music they will take special care to see you are well fed and always have a full glass. Also, I soon became aware it was possible to make a living playing music.
My first professional gig came about when a band I hung around with lost a guitar player while playing at a venue in Panama City, Florida. I was hired to help them fulfill the terms of their contract for a 5-piece band until a replacement could be found. I did not actually play, only pretended to play. The audience never knew the difference. Weeks went by without the band leader finding a suitable replacement. By that time, I had learned a few of their songs and was allowed to turn up my amp and play along with them. Finally, after a few more weeks, my skills increased to the point they quit looking for another guitar player. I joined the band and went with them on their next series of gigs. I attained the status of professional musician! I have been one ever since.
My hope is that one day our paths will cross so I can play some music for you.