Stephen Turner and Jonathan Pretus of The Breton Sound (courtesy Laura Bergerol Photography)
Making their Jazz Fest debut this year, The Breton Sound (named for a body of water off the coast of the Mississippi Delta), bring a great deal of experience to the stage. The band began with the duo of Jonathan Pretus (guitar/vocals) and Stephen Turner (lead guitar), and various friends on bass and drums. Over the past year, the pair solidified the lineup by adding Brian Pretus (Jonathan’s brother, on bass/vocals) and Jonathan Alcon (drums/percussion). The Breton Sound describe their rock stylings as “focused” and “restrained,” which are both quite accurate. The Beatles-esque vocals of Jonathan Pretus (formerly of Cowboy Mouth), combined with harmonies from his brother, Brian (formerly with the progressive rock band Epic), make for a wonderful experience.
“Combo plate” with crawfish beignets (foreground), oyster patty, and “crawfish sack.” (courtesy WWOZ)
When asked what Jazz Fest food should be paired with The Breton Sound, Jonathan Pretus suggested Crawfish Beignets. Served as an individual portion or on the Patton’s combo plate (shown with an oyster patty and “crawfish sacks”), crawfish beignets are much like the band. At first glance, they look restrained, but when you bite into them, the flavors attack and win you over.
