PRJC Zoom Jazz Talk: Let's Get Down to Brass (Band) Facts with Craig Klein

The Potomac River Jazz Club is a nonprofit society whose purpose is to preserve, encourage and promote the playing and appreciation of traditional jazz. On our Web site you’ll find information about trad jazz happenings in the Washington-Baltimore area, about our organization, about our affiliated jazz bands, about jazz history, and about many other items of interest to jazz fans. And be sure to check out what PRJC is doing to encourage young musicians to play traditional jazz with theCapital Focus Youth Jazz Band.Tickets are available here on Eventbrite for our monthly jams, in person monthly concerts, and monthly online Jazz Talks via Zoom.

The Potomac River Jazz Club

Craig Klein, Grammy-winning trombonist discusses the roots of New Orleans Brass Band music and his own experience, mentors and influences.

New Orleans brass bands are a vibrant part of the city's musical heritage. They are known for their energetic performances and are a staple of many cultural pastimes including jazz funerals, parades, and social events. Craig Klein is born and bred New Orleans and has constantly been exposed to a diverse mixture of music cultures. As a high school trombone player hanging around the French Quarter his love of New Orleans music was solidiﬁed when he stumbled upon Preservation Hall in the mid 70’s. He chased the New Orleans sound all around town. In 1980, his trombone playing Uncle Gerry Dallmann invited him to parade around the Quarter with a funky street band called The Pair-A-Dice Tumblers. That experience led him to become a founding member of two prominent brass bands, The Storyville Stompers (1981) and later The New Orleans NightCrawlers (1994) . . . . . Craig and Uncle Gerry still play a lot of music together to this very day! In 1990, he received a call that concluded with an audition over the phone that landed him a gig with Harry Connick, Jr. This 16-year journey led to many recordings and world tours. In 1998, while on tour with Harry in New York, Craig was out enjoying the city and heard a Latin/Salsa band with 5 trombones . . . . That night he had a dream to put a New Orleans band together featuring lots of trombones. He approached his Harry Connick band mate and fellow New Orleanian, Mark Mullins about the idea. In 2006 Craig left Harry to focus on Bonerama and touring. The rest is Bonerama history. Craig also became a founding member of the New Orleans Nightcrawlers brass band. The band started out as a writer’s “workshop” and was an occasion for the musicians to get together and rehearse newly written music. Made up of some of the top musicians in New Orleans, the band build up a repertoire of tunes and made their ﬁrst recording in 1996 with Rounder Records. The band now has ﬁve exceptional records and in April 2020 their album, ATMOSPHERE, won a Grammy in Best Regional Roots Album category. Craig's latest solo record was recorded in December of 2020 and was partly funded from a grant by the Threadhead Cultural Foundation. The recordings were meant to be a two-trombone gospel production featuring Lucien Barbarin and Craig with a rhythm section. Craig and Lu were already in preproduction of the recording when prostate cancer took Lucien away in January 2020. Wanting to continue the work Craig decided to make a tribute record for one of his best friends and greatest inﬂuences. Being inspired by a Dickey Well’s and Rex Stewart record, Talkative Horns - Musical Conversations On Lucien Barbarin was produced. A tribute to a dear friend, great trombonist and entertainer. Every song on the record has a direct connection to Lucien. Craig has a vast musical experience and has played on well over 150 records, including his ﬁrst solo record, New Orleans Trombonisms (2004). He has played with the best: Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, George Porter, Leroy Jones, Tori Amos, Dave Bartholomew, REM, Allen Toussaint, Preservation Hall, The Palm Court Jazz Band, The Jazz Vipers, Bruce Hornsby, Storyville Stompers, New Orleans Nightcrawlers . . . just to name a few! Don't miss your chance to hear Craig speak about New Orleans Brass Band roots and his experiences. He feels the spirit of the music and he brings with him a real New Orleans vibe to all he does. Registration required by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time the day of the presentation to receive the Zoom link.

PRJC Zoom Jazz Talk: Let's Get Down to Brass (Band) Facts with Craig Klein

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PRJC Zoom Jazz Talk: Let's Get Down to Brass (Band) Facts with Craig Klein

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