Pianist Kyle Roussel represents the best of the next generation, an exciting young player who holds down the keyboards for the history-steeped Preservation Hall Jazz Band and as a sideman for numerous jazz, gospel, and funk bands across New Orleans.
Roussel grew up in Hahnville, Louisiana, playing piano at an early age. He was trained in the classical idiom, and branched out to sacred, gospel, and jazz as a teen – all while listening to popular music of the day and old school funk and soul. He attended the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and the University of New Orleans, focusing on both classical and jazz piano.
Roussel got his first professional call from drummer Shannon Powell, and other established musicians soon took notice of the young Roussel’s keyboard prowess and versatility.
He spent nearly three years touring the world with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and now holds down a full-time gig with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. He’s performed with The Headhunters, Christian Scott, Delfeayo Marsalis, John Boutte, Donald Harrison, Jr., Bonerama, Topsy Chapman, Mia Borders, Khris Royal, and even hill country bluesman Cedric Burnside.
Roussel has released a solo CD, “Rookie of the Year,” with drummer Alvin Ford, Jr., Darryl McCoy, Jr., Bill Summers, Roland Guerin, Alexey Marti, and D.J. Raymond. He is quickly building an impressive catalogue of recording credits as a sideman, including the Headhunters, Ana Popovic, Khari Allen Lee, Khris Royal, Lena Prima, Glen David Andrews, Delfeayo Marsalis, and, of course, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
