About Big Mamou
Big Mamou was formed in what could be described as a cosmic Cajun and country collision, smack in the middle of Montclair, New Jersey. While being dragged by her “har” through the Lincoln Tunnel in search of bluer skies, Sopranos and more square footage, country singer Julianne Ausum Fenhagen with brute husband/upright bassist Jim Fenhagen heard a bellowing lonesome strain of the bayou and stumbled upon a tall skinny guy in a big hat playing sweet, soulful accordion … none other than Cajun aficionado, John Sherman. Soon after, the three joined forces and just west of the Meadowland swamp, Big Mamou was born.
John Sherman was steeped deep in a Louisiana musical stew, serving it up in several NYC based bands (Jole Blonde, The Zephyrs). John also toured with legendary British guitarist/vocalist Richard Thompson. Julianne toured with rocker Walter Egan (Magnet and Steel) playing original country music in a band called The Wild Ponies. Julianne and Jim rocked together in an alt country band, The DCvers playing honkytonks from Nashville to NYC . Rounding out the sound is ageless but never timeless drummer Billy Loos (Her Vanished Grace), Michael Levine (Will Rogers Follies, The Trisonics), on heart melting pedal steel and red hot guitar, and most recent stellar addition, Fred Parcells (Black 47) on the very slippery trombone.