The greater the risk, the greater the reward.
It was a gamble for seven musicians — all with full-time jobs — to join together to form a band, but from that came a melodious reward known as Lucy and the Gamblers.
The soul/funk/rock band from Baton Rouge formed in 2012, and with only a handful of local shows under its belt, Lucy and the Gamblers has already gained much attention and praise from the community.
What makes this band stand out is the bond between its members. They are all mutually devoted not only to music, but to each other. Relationships are what tie the Gamblers together, and when a band forms naturally, it can be heard in the smoothness of the music.
Vocalist Lucy Foval fronts the seven-piece band with her husband John beside her on bass. The couple met at the First Baptist Church of Baton Rouge where Lucy’s father was an associate pastor.
“I’ve been singing my entire life,” Lucy said. “With my dad being a pastor, we always had opportunities to sing in church, and I’ve been singing in pageants and plays forever.”
The couple quickly realized they shared a love for music. Growing up in Baton Rouge, John sang in choirs from the time he could walk, and he got his first guitar at 12 years old.
“[I’ve] wanted to start a band for as long as I can remember,” John said. “I grew up playing music with friends, jamming in their parents’ houses and starting every kind of band imaginable.”
Playing alongside Lucy and John are all local musicians: John’s brother Matthew on the saxophone and friends Garrett Smith on drums, Ryan Harris on guitar, Jeremy Boykins on trumpet and Bobby T. Lee on keyboard.
Originally a cover band, Lucy said they soon realized cover music wasn’t for them and began writing original music. To get a funkier sound, they build songs from the rhythm out, instead of starting with a melody, John said.
This unusual process begins with John creating a bass line and writing lyrics. The band then comes together, and with that one beat, it harmoniously puts together a complete song, with each musician layering his or her instrument around the song’s concept.
The band’s funky gospel sound is heavily influenced by Motown Records, Dr. John and James Brown. It pays tribute to the classic era of the ’60s and ’70s by dressing in cocktail attire for live shows.
Lucy’s vocal influences range from Aretha Franklin to Amy Winehouse to Grace Potter. Like her idols, the petite singer’s personality can come across as strong and captivating as her deep, soulful voice.
Her bluesy sound commands the attention of the audience, but being the center of attention was something Lucy said she was surprised to enjoy.
“I used to get so nervous when John would introduce me on stage,” Lucy said. “But now I get impatient waiting to take the stage.”
The band has given the working nanny a newfound position in life as a lead singer and entertainer. Being able to let loose on stage and watch the crowd sing along to the band’s lyrics is what live music is all about, Lucy said.
Since its first show at Mud and Water one year ago, the band’s fanbase has grown exponentially, and its past two shows at Chelsea’s Café have drawn huge crowds. The band’s high energy and funky vibe helped it emerge on the Baton Rouge music scene, and today, it’s what keeps fans coming back for more.
“You can ask any musician — to be on stage and be a part of a live music experience is like nothing else,” John said. “It cannot be replicated in any way.”
The band is currently working on recording and putting together an EP. It hopes to one day play at the House of Blues and the Jazz and Heritage Festival in New Orleans. Fans can stay up to date with the band and download its music on its website at lucyandthegamblers.com.

Gallery • 12 Photos

Richard Redmann

Lucy and the Gamblers' saxophonists Matt Foval perform Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at Chelsea's Cafe.