The Iguanas

The Iguanas

The Iguanas are a New Orleans rock group formed in 1989. Their music combines Latin and Caribeño rhythms and themes with New Orleans jazz and rhythm and blues, with some Chicano rock influence. They are active from 1989 to the present.

Line-up

Since about 2000, the group consists of Joe Cabral, Rod Hodges, René Coman and Doug Garrison. Cabral contributes vocals, saxophone, bajo sexto, guitar, organ and percussion. Hodges plays vocals, guitar, accordion and lap steel. Coman plays bass, piano, organ, guitar, mellotron and also adds background vocals and tambourine. Garrison plays drums and percussion.

Style and repertoire

The band writes and performs songs with lyrics in both English and Spanish. Their sound uses a wide range of styles and instrumental textures, which makes them difficult to categorise narrowly, while still remaining rooted in the New Orleans musical tradition.

Reception

The Iguanas build a loyal following in New Orleans and further afield through their live performances and a series of melodic studio albums.