Cowboy Mouth a musical gumbo

With its blend of jazz, Dixieland, zydeco, rock and R&B, New Orleans is the perfect environment for musicians.

Just ask Rob Savoy of the Big Easy-based band Cowboy Mouth, which opens a sold-out concert for Barenaked Ladies at 7:30 tonight at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland.

“There’s so many different styles of music, and it completely pervades the lifestyles there,” said bassist Savoy, who joined Cowboy Mouth three years ago. “It affects the way people walk and talk. As a musician, you learn to live and breathe music. Our end result is a gumbo of all those things. We’re really proud of it.”

Cowboy Mouth was formed eight years ago, and features Savoy, drummer Fred LeBlanc, rhythm guitarist Paul Sanchez and guitarist-keyboardist John Thomas Griffith.

The veteran quartet’s members have known each other for years, playing in different bands around New Orleans. But they’ve really clicked in their current incarnation.

“It’s the combination of talent coming together in a synergistic way,” explained Savoy from Washington. “There’s a really good chemistry in this band. We don’t always understand it, but we can’t question it. We just take care of it as best we can.”

Unlike most groups, which have only one singer, all four members of Cowboy Mouth take their turn as lead vocalist. Savoy said this lends more diversity to the band.

“It shows that everyone has had time as leaders of other bands,” he said. “Everyone brings a distinct voice to the band.”

This carries over to songwriting as well, as everyone contributes to the group’s sound. Savoy said this is very apparent on the band’s new album, “Mercyland,” thanks in large part to producer Michael Barbiero (Blues Traveler, Counting Crows).

“Michael brought us together in ways we wouldn’t have dreamed possible,” he said. “Everyone was able to put in their voice, their 2 cents’ worth. It’s a combination of all our strengths.”

The Portland date comes early in Cowboy Mouth’s tour with Barenaked Ladies. They had done some shows with the Canadian band last year, and appeared on a few HORDE tour dates with them this summer.

Savoy saw the union as a natural pairing.

“It’s really a great marriage,” he said. “There’s similarities between the two bands. We’re both into positive experiences and celebrating life.”

Cowboy Mouth is making its first trip to Maine, and Savoy is ready for some cool weather.

“We’ve been running from hurricanes and hot temperatures,” he said. “We’re ready for a change.”