Sussex is the brainchild of Michael Emenau and Rob Lutes. The two renowned musicians were childhood friends and high school bandmates in New Brunswick. After graduation, they went their separate ways—Michael to Tokyo, San Francisco and Paris, where he made a name for himself as a world-class jazz vibraphonist and composer; Lutes to Montreal, where he has recorded six albums and earned a reputation as one of Canada’s finest songwriters and roots performers.

Reunited in 2012, the pair began to write together for the first time in 20 years. Encouraged by the results, they decided to make a record. Enlisting the services of some of Montreal’s finest players, including guitarist Benoit Charest (Les Triplettes de Belleville) , violinist Josh Zubot (Patrick Watson), bassist Sage Reynolds (Jordan Officer)and trumpeter Ivanhoé Jolicoeur (Les Cowboys Fringants), they went into the legendary Studio Frisson in Montreal in Fall 2014 and Winter 2015 and recorded their debut album Parade Day.

THE SHOW

Blind Blake, Lionel Hampton and Tom Waits have a drink together... Sussex is the result of this unlikely meeting. Internationally renowned musicians, Rob Lutes (guitar, banjo, vocals) and Michael Emenau (vibraphone, percussion), have enlisted some of Canada's finest players to create a tasty, eclectic and totally original blend of blues, folk, ragtime, Americana and jazz.

With a unique mix of instruments on their diverse originals and selected gems from Tin-Pan Alley and blues history, Sussex delivers literate, melodic songs with high-level musicianship and soulful vocals that will make you want to move. A fresh journey to the heart of American music.

* The group can be expanded into a trio, a quartet or a quintet.

Home Base: Quebec