Southern Tradition sustains barbershop harmony in New Orleans Mid City

Southern Tradition, a barbershop quartet based in New Orleans, performed four-part harmony just off Canal Street in the Mid City neighborhood on a recent evening. The group has maintained its vocal style since forming in 1999, focusing on traditional American harmonies that emphasize close collaboration among its members.

The quartet consists of four men from diverse professional backgrounds who combine their voices to create a unified sound. Karl Hansen, a doctor, sings bass. His brother, Hansen Eschette, is a medical technician who handles the tenor part. Joe Jacquat, a civil engineer, sings baritone. Johnnie Oufnac, the only member with a barbering career, sings lead. This mix of occupations reflects the group's origin as a social and musical outlet rather than a commercial venture.

Hansen noted that the primary requirement for singing in a barbershop quartet is a willingness to perform without embarrassment. He stated that long-term membership helps the singers predict each other's vocal movements. “Being together for a long time helps us harmonize and understand where the other person is going,” Hansen said. The group rehearses every couple of weeks to maintain their timing and pitch accuracy.

Zachary Matherne, an award-winning barbershop singer, identified New Orleans as a central hub for this musical form. He explained that the city serves as a nexus for basic American music, citing its deep historical roots. Matherne pointed to Louis Armstrong, who began his career in a vocal quartet before becoming a trumpet icon. “Louis Armstrong was in a vocal quartet before he ever started playing a horn,” Matherne said.

Matherne also performs with NOLA Vox, a larger vocal group that formed the coed quartet The Dreamers. Female singers have joined the tradition in recent years, adding higher vocal ranges to the ensembles. Sarah Todd, a singer, described the competitive aspect of the music as enjoyable. “It’s a lot of fun to see where you stack up against somebody else,” Todd said. Matt Ridley, another performer, noted the value of female voices in the group. “We need the ladies to hit the high notes,” Ridley said.

While New Orleans hosted a major international barbershop competition in 1992 at the Superdome, local groups like Southern Tradition prioritize camaraderie over professional recognition. The singers do not earn income from their performances. Ridley described the satisfaction of mastering complex parts and achieving perfect harmony. “I think it’s beautiful, when you learn the parts really well and it all comes together it’s really amazing,” Ridley said. The tradition continues through these small, dedicated ensembles across the city.

The group’s activities represent a continuation of a vocal style that has existed for more than a century. Although barbershop quartets operate globally, the New Orleans scene maintains a distinct connection to the city's musical heritage. Members of Southern Tradition and similar local groups meet regularly to practice and perform, keeping the art form active in the community.