New Orleans funkster Eric Lindell’s soulful voice will entertain listeners this weekend. Chelsea’s Cafe is hosting a release party for Lindell’s new album, “Low on Cash, Rich in Love,” Saturday at 10:30 p.m. to help him kick off his U.S. tour. David Remmetter, Chelsea’s Cafe’s owner, said Lindell requested to perform at Chelsea’s and Remmetter gladly obliged. “He brings a good crowd, and people like to dance to his music,” Remmetter said. Lindell said he enjoys playing at Chelsea’s and has been playing there for years. The Baton Rouge fan base “is a work in progress,” Lindell said. And he hopes to attract more fans this weekend. John Duval, international studies junior, is part of this fan base. He described Lindell’s music as “swamp-pop fun, with a lot of soul.” Lindell is very popular around the New Orleans community, Duval said. He has played with bands like Galactic and The Neville Brothers, he said. Lindell did not receive national recognition until he signed with the blues label Alligator Records and released his 2006 album “Change in the Weather,” which features remastered songs from Lindell’s independent albums. The album debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard Blues Charts, according to Lindell’s website. Lindell said the lyrics of his current album are more mature than those of “Change in the Weather.” “It is honing in more to the music,” Lindell said. Duval said the opening track, “Lay Back Down,” is one of his favorite songs on the album. “[The album] comes together well and has more texture,” Duval said. “You can tell his voice and playing have matured in a quick amount of time.” Lindell said the cultural and musical scenes of New Orleans have been an inspiration for his music. “I have played at so many places all over the world, and there is no place like New Orleans,” Lindell said. “There is not a tight-knit musical family like New Orleans anywhere else.” Duval said there are not many artists around Baton Rouge that perform with that New Orleans feel. Lindell’s performance will be a nice change of pace for the local bar scene, he said. Remmetter said he expects a big turn out for Lindell’s Saturday show. The band will play sets of his older songs and tracks from the new album, Lindell said. “We are a great live band,” Lindell said. “We enjoy playing, and I hope it translates to the crowd.” Lindell will be performing across the South over the next few months. Lindell will be back in Baton Rouge May 9 to perform at Chelsea’s Cafe again toward the end of his tour.
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