#25. Kermit Ruffins
From: New Orleans, Louisiana
It's only appropriate to go from a band named after a Muppet movie, to a man actually named Kermit. Though no offense to the frog, I think this Kermit's a bit more talented.
Kermit Ruffins is a trumpeter, as well as a bandleader, singer and songwriter. Born in 1964 in New Orleans, his talent and charisma have drawn numerous comparisons to Louis Armstrong, so much so that his 2005 release, Putamayo Presents: Kermit Ruffins, has him paying tribute in the form of a few songs.
It appears that the reputation of Kermit Ruffins is starting to spread beyond just Louisiana, and if you're a jazz fan, I hope you take the time to check him out in Austin. Unfortunately I couldn't track down any full-length samples, but listen to a few clips from his new album here.
Update: I just tracked down an mp3 on the 2004 SXSW website! Listen to a FANTASTIC song - "When I Die (You Better Second Line)".
Kermit Ruffins will play the Capital Metro stage on Sunday from 7:00-8:00.
