NOLA Jazz Band started playing regularly in March 2015. In only a few short years their “gutsy and heartfelt” New Orleans Jazz stylings has earned them a nationwide fan base. Band members also include Iowa Music Hall of Famers (Jazz AND Rock & Roll).
This 5 generation, 8 member group led by clarinetist Jeff Kane has played with some of the biggest movers and shakers in the New Orleans, Hot Jazz, and NYC Traditional Jazz scenes including: Bria Skonberg, Marla Dixon and Shotgun Jazz Band, Paul Mehling & Sam Rocha of Hot Club of San Francisco, Davina Sowers of Davina & the Vagabonds, and many others. Band members have also played at well-known clubs in New Orleans and New York including the Spotted Cat, Bamboula’s, 30/90, Iridium, and Smalls Jazz Club.
But if you ask them, the real joy comes from coming together as a band to collaborate and create what they call an interactive “family living room” experience for their audiences. They band truly enjoys performing together!
The NOLA Jazz Band loves to expose new audiences to traditional jazz music, its history, and emotion and put their own “forward looking imprint” on it while still embracing the past musical traditions. One of the best compliments we’ve received is “I don’t find myself liking jazz – however I LOVE whatever it is that you play!” We’ve actually heard that same quote many times and it warms our hearts to know people truly enjoy our playing.
The Band released their first album in March, 2016 – NOLA Jazz Band Vol. 1 “Genesis – Live from the ARK”. CD’s are available at shows, online at iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon and many other streaming services such as Spotify. The bands second CD “Black Swamp Village – NOLA Jazz Band Live” was just released on CD and is available for purchase from the band, or online at CD Baby. It will be available for streaming and online downloads in September, 2019.
If you’ve not done so please go and “like” their NOLA Jazz Band Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/NolaJazzBand/, and Instagram @nola_jazzband so you don’t miss any of their public performances and music performance clips!
NOLA Band members:
• Jeff Kane – Band Leader, Clarinet, Vocals, Backup Vocals
• Scott Davis – Cornet, Backup Vocals
• Anthony Williams – Trombone, Backup Vocals
• Abbie Sawyer – Lead Vocals, Band MC, Finger Snaps
• Chris Walsh –Acoustic Bass
• Jamie Poulson – Piano & Musical Comic Relief
• Drew Selim & Bob Brown – Drums
• Josh Gorman – Guitar, Banjo