Four New Orleans Men Keep Century-Old Barbershop Tradition Alive

A four-part harmony echoed off the pavement near Canal Street on a recent evening in Mid City. The sound came from Southern Tradition, a barbershop quartet that has performed together since 1999. The group exemplifies a specific American art form that relies on strict vocal precision and deep interpersonal bonds. Their primary goal is to maintain the tradition of unaccompanied a cappella singing.

The quartet consists of four men with distinct professional backgrounds who share the same musical commitment. Karl Hansen, a physician, sings bass. Hansen Eschette works as a medical technician and handles the tenor part. Civil engineer Joe Jacquat sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac is the lead singer and the only member who actually works as a barber. Hansen noted that the group's longevity allows them to anticipate each other's vocal movements during performances.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer, identifies New Orleans as a central hub for this style of music. He points to the city's deep roots in vocal harmony, noting that Louis Armstrong sang in a vocal quartet before he ever played a horn. Matherne also performs with NOLA Vox, a larger vocal group that spawned The Dreamers, a coed barbershop quartet. He believes the city remains a vital location for this genre because of its historical connection to American music.

Recent trends show that female voices are becoming an accepted part of the barbershop scene. Sarah Todd, a singer in the coed group, enjoys the competitive aspect of stacking vocal parts against others. Matt Ridley, another member, stated that female voices are necessary for high notes, though he added that some male singers can also achieve them. This shift reflects a wider acceptance of mixed-gender groups in a tradition that was historically male-dominated.

The singers perform for camaraderie rather than financial gain. New Orleans has a history of hosting major international competitions, with the most recent event taking place in 1992 at the Superdome. However, local groups like Southern Tradition prioritize the internal dynamics of the group over public acclaim. They meet every couple of weeks to practice and perform. Ridley described the experience of learning parts and achieving a unified sound as a beautiful and amazing outcome.