It has been around for 15 years, but this old dog isn’t out of tricks yet. Cowboy Mouth will perform Friday at the Varsity Theatre. Tickets cost $16. The famous New Orleans band has undergone many changes during the years. Several band members have come and gone, flood waters have risen and receded and a fan base has built steadily. But 12 CD releases later, the band is still finding its way. The band took on two new members recently: bassist Regina Zernay and guitarist Jonathan Pretus. “I joined about two months ago,” said Pretus, University alumnus. “I think I can bring some new things to the band because I’m from a different generation and I listen to a variety of music.” The group has something else up their sleeves – a live DVD. The DVD, titled “The name of the band is Cowboy Mouth,” will come out next month. “It was filmed at the Roxy Theater in Hollywood. It’s a live show consisting of 23 songs,” said Fred LeBlanc, frontman and drummer. LeBlanc said he wanted to make something for the fans to take home with them. “The band has toured out there for years and has a pretty good fan following,” Pretus said. The band also has a new album in progress. “We hope to have it out by the spring,” LeBlanc said. “We are exploring some different lyric techniques and our two new members have contributed heavily to that effort.” Pretus said he made a few suggestions for the record. “I always suggest we do more harmony,” he said. “Everyone in the group is such a great vocalist. Our voices fit well together.” The band was on “Live with Regis and Kelly” earlier this year, which inspired LeBlanc to write a song for Kelly Ripa. “It was sort of a joke, but it’s going to end up on this new record,” Pretus said. The band is looking into new avenues for the release. “We are looking at the Internet, maybe do a digital release on iTunes,” Pretus said. LeBlanc said the band has renewed energy. “The enthusiasm is at a peak, which is saying a lot considering how energetic we are at shows,” he said. Cowboy Mouth is also looking into doing different and new things at shows. “We try to make every show different,” LeBlanc said. “But I think we want to do something really different now.” Pretus said the band saw the Flaming Lips play recently and were quite impressed. “We want to add very visual things to our shows,” he said. “Confetti, fire, balloons, but maybe not 20 dancing Santas.” He said the band will have its hands full during the next year, but he is OK with that. “I like releasing CDs, DVDs, touring the country,” Pretus said. “I’m celebrating the joy and positivity of life, and I want to show everyone else that, too.”
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