Music

Local musician Caleb Elliott to perform on CBS: This Morning CBS is about to become ‘Caleb Bows Sweetly’ thanks to the Acadiana-based cellist

by Christiaan Mader

Elliott's gift for the cello took him to heaven and back. Here he is backstage before a performance at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium.
Photo by Abraham Rowe

Breaux Bridge-based cellist, guitarist, bouzoukist, songwriter and all-around swell guy Caleb Elliott will be performing on CBS: This Morning on Jan 23, as a side man with ascendent Shreveport chanteur Dylan LeBlanc.

While you may be more familiar with Elliott by way of his tireless run of brunch gigs scattered around Acadiana, his work as a cellist-for-hire has garnered him some enviable gigs with luminaries like Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet.

To be sure, cello is not typically an in-demand call for outward bound touring artists, but Elliott’s proficiency at the classical instrument turned a chance opportunity into a whirlwind stint with LeBlanc for the past couple of years.

A couple years back, LeBlanc opened for Sean Bruce, a Lafayette-based songwriter who’s making waves in his own right as a purveyor of fine performances and paella through concert series presented by his Norwood Recording Company. Elliott was slated to play cello with Bruce in his set, and offered to provide the service to LeBlanc.

"Dylan reluctantly accepted," jokes Elliott.

Reluctantly or otherwise, LeBlanc has kept the cellist wunderkind in tow ever since. LeBlanc and his band are about to embark on run of headlining gigs, the first in his young career. A slate of supporting shows for The Alabama Shakes are in the offing this April.

“I’m a nomad now,” the Natchitoches-born Elliott says. “Whenever people ask me for a mailing address, I just say my godmother’s house in Breaux Bridge. I’m a loose tooth this point.”

LeBlanc’s most recent record Cautionary Tale released Jan. 15 on Muscle Shoals-revival label Single Lock Records, features string parts by Elliott that writhe and soothe over LeBlanc’s forlorn cooing. The record's vibe evokes 1970's Laurel Canyon with a more lush pastiche.

Get a sneak peak of what's in store on CBS via this live performance of Cautionary's Andrew Bird-esque lead single and title track featuring Elliott on lead guitar for a spell.

CBS; This Morning broadcast airs 7 - 9 a.m. LeBlanc and Elliott's performance will feature three tracks from Cautionary. Check out LeBlanc’s upcoming tour dates here.