Gumbo Ya Ya began as a collaboration between John Higgins, a pianist/guitarist from San Francisco and Dimitri Papadopoulos, one of Athens' premier trumpet players.

They found common ground in the music of New Orleans, the city where jazz was born and where music of all kinds still thrives today, in the clubs, concerts, festivals and in the streets.

Over the years the band developed toward a true New Orleans sound. They gradually assembled some of Athens' best players. When Sugahspank joined on lead vocals, the overall sound really came together because she is an exceptional soul and blues singer.

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