Biography

Billy Iuso (pronounced Eye-You-Sew) is a New York native who formed the funky, psychedelic guitar-fronted, jam funk pioneers Brides of Jesus in the early ‘90s. They quickly developed a strong following in the Wetlands scene alongside Warren Haynes, Blues Traveler and the Spin Doctors. As the Brides’ popularity continued to soar they shared bills with Widespread Panic and the Dave Matthews Band. While touring and collaborating with a host of key members of the jam band community, Billy explored the roots of the bands that influenced him most – including Little Feat, whose music turned him on to the Meters. Eventually, he opened for the Funky Meters at shows across the country. It wasn’t long before George Porter Jr. and Art Neville were encouraging him to relocate to New Orleans permanently, which he did in 1996 and has planted his roots there with his wife and three children. Billy established himself in the live music scene in New Orleans, forming his current band Billy Iuso and Restless Natives (BIRN) in 2002. BIRN consists of long time members Eddie Christmas on drums, Michael Burkart and Drew Meez on vocals and keyboards. Sage Rouge has stepped in with her raging saxophone and dynamic vocals and Reggie Scanlan of the legendary New Orleans Radiators has taken control of the bass. Billy’s discography consists of eleven albums that span over three decades. As well as half a dozen albums he has contributed to with other artists such as Anders Osborne & Russell Batiste.