New Orleans Quartet Keeps Century-Old Harmony Alive After 27 Years

Four men in New Orleans practice a musical form that has survived for more than a century. The group, Southern Tradition, performs four-part harmony in the Mid City district just off Canal Street. They have maintained this specific lineup since 1999. Their practice sessions occur every couple of weeks.

The quartet members hold professional jobs unrelated to music. Karl Hansen works as a doctor and sings bass. His son, Hansen Eschette, is a medical technician who handles the tenor parts. Joe Jacquat serves as a civil engineer and sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac is the sole practicing barber among the group and takes the lead vocal.

Hansen describes the core requirement for joining such a group as the ability to keep singing without embarrassment. He notes that years of performing together allow the men to anticipate each other's musical moves. This familiarity helps them maintain tight harmony during their sets.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning singer, explains the deep connection between the genre and the city. He identifies New Orleans as the center of American music at its most fundamental level. Matherne points to Louis Armstrong as a historical example, noting that the famous trumpet player started in a vocal quartet before he ever played a horn.

Matherne also performs with a larger vocal group called NOLA Vox. That group gave rise to The Dreamers, a coed barbershop quartet. The inclusion of women has expanded the traditional male-only format. Sarah Todd, a member of the mixed group, says it is enjoyable to compete against other singers. Matt Ridley of The Dreamers argues that women are necessary for the high notes, claiming they sound more attractive in that register than men.

The singers perform for passion rather than financial gain. New Orleans hosted a major international barbershop competition in the Superdome in 1992. Matherne confirms that remains the most recent international event held in the city. Local groups continue to prioritize camaraderie and musical precision over large-scale competition.

Ridley says the experience is beautiful when every member knows their part perfectly and the sound comes together. The groups continue to meet regularly to refine their craft in a city built on musical tradition.