The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian phenomenon is part music, part heritage, part ancestry, part revelry, part fashion, and oft misunderstood. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux is one of the most famous and enduring leaders of that culture and head of the Golden Eagle Mardi Gras Indian tribe. An iconic voice of New Orleans, Monk’s role as an ambassador has taken him beyond the borders of Mardi Gras Indian music, working with diverse artists such as singer/songwriter Anders Osborne, funk-jam-band Galactic, traditional cajun band BeauSoleil, and the Voice of the Wetlands All-stars (Dr. John, Tab Benoit, Cyril Neville). Won’t Bow Down is guided by Monk’s adventurous spirit and love for varied musical styles. “Monk’s Mardi Gras,” featuring rhythm section of Orgone with Dr. John on piano, takes us through Monk’s history as an Indian, from childhood to Big Chief. “Footsteps” is “the best song about cooking I’ve ever heard,” says Monk’s producer, Keven Brennan. “I was sitting in his kitchen while Monk was cooking, and he was telling me how he’s been preparing game like raccoon and gator since he was a kid, “taking it home and cooking it for my mother and family.” With Orgone laying down a cool reggae groove, “Don’t Take My Flag Down” is a traditional Indian song that “we used to sing, but nobody does anymore,” says Monk. Released by Los Angeles based indie-label, f.Boo Music, Won’t Bow Down is produced by Keven Brennan. It features special guests Dr. John (piano), Papa Mali (guitar and vocals), Jim Keltner (drums), Orgone, War Chief Juan Pardo, Jason Ricci, John Lisi, Ru Williams, and Monk’s son Joseph Boudreaux Jr.