Jack Brass Band - ProfilesArchive

About Me

The Jack Brass Band (The JBB) hails from Minneapolis, MN. Formed in 1999, the band has played mostly regionally in the Twin Cities area (clubs, festivals, parades, private parties, and wedding receptions) - but has also made appearances in Winnipeg; Chicago; Rock Island, IL; Mankato; St Cloud; Duluth; Eau Claire, WI; Okoboji, IA; Las Vegas; Durham, England; and, of course, New Orleans.
Based on the traditions and music of the secondline bands of New Orleans (like the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, etc), they blend old school jazz from the era of Louis Armstrong, as well as playing music that combines the essence R&B, Soul, Funk, and Mardi Gras.
JBB's sophomore CD, "You Don't Know Me" was released late December 2005, and features original material, as well as covers from Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, Horace Silver, Eddie Harris, and Michael Jackson.
In 2008, The JBB released their third CD, "Traditionally Speaking" which is a tip of the cap to the brass band culture and musical brothers, uncles, and fathers they have grown to know both on a professional and personal level through sharing this music. Guest vocalist, James "12" Andrews from one of New Orleans' famous musical families is featured - and liner notes by friend of the band, Ben Jaffe of Preservation Hall Jazz Band Fame.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/11/2005
Band Website: jackbrassband.com
Band Members: Mike Olander, bass drum/leader
Andrew Gillespie, snare drum
Mike Mello, sousaphone
Zack Lozier, trumpet
Adam Rossmiller, trumpet
Gus Sandberg, saxophone
Scott Agster, trombone
Scott Moriarity, trombone
Frequent Contributors:
Rob Seeger,
Andy Hakala,
Matt Hanzelka,
Eric Johnson,
Paul Gronert,
Erik Jacobson

Influences: The brass band family... Rebirth, Dirty Dozen, New Birth, Treme, Hot 8, Soul Rebels, Stooges, Forgotten Souls,
Lil Rascals, Olympia, Mahogany, Paulin Brothers, Pinstripe, Coolbone,
The New Orleans sounds... Kermit Ruffins' BBQ Swingers, Harry Connick Jr, Bob French,
Big Sam's Funky Nation, Trombone Shorty, the Meters, Preservation Hall,
Regional sounds...
Digdowns, Youngblood...
Sounds Like: The streets of New Orleans - brass, drums, percussion, vocals and chants.
The traditions of the second line mixed with modern inspirations.
Record Label: None - small-time band trying to make it.
Type of Label: None

My Blog

Festival Booking Agent request...

Always seems like a dual-edged sword....if a band isn't big enough on any scene, agents don't want to work with/for them, because it would be too much work for them...and once a band gets big enough t...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Fri, 18 Jul 2008 01:35:00 PST

JBB CD Release Party - this Friday

Hosted By: Jack Brass Band When: Friday Feb 22, 2008 at 9:00 PMWhere: Varsity Theater1308 4th St SEMinneapolis, Minnesota|24 55414United StatesDescription:Jack Brass Band Click Here To View EventWell...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:44:00 PST

RIP Kerwin James - We’ll miss you

On a sad note, we want to pass along the sad news I received yesterday evening. The call came in over dinner - and I just had a feeling I needed to take it. A good friend of mine, and all ...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 06:06:00 PST

Two years....

Hard to imagine. It's not like you have it circled on your calendar, marked down anywhere - but it's important to remember, especially for those that have some sort of a connection - no matter h...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:08:00 PST

We're baaaack...

From England that is. Durham was an excellent time! We traveled as 7 - and returned state-side without incident late last week. If you haven't checked it out yet - you should really look a...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 05:58:00 PST

Across the pond update....

No - I'm not up at some rediculous hour because I just had to send out a message....we're 6 hours ahead timewise over here in the UK. We're in Durham - and although I'd love to give you all a very det...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 02:39:00 PST

Overseas & Why The Saints deserve everything coming...

Next week the band will venture "across the pond" to Durham, England to take part in the International Brass Festival. We're all excited at the opportunity to perform overseas, as well as listen...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Fri, 29 Jun 2007 10:40:00 PST

Outdoor gigs - you never know...

We'd like to thank everyone that made the effort to come out and see us last night. As is the case with outdoor events, you are kind of at the mercy of many forces.... Last night Mother Nature t...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Thu, 21 Jun 2007 05:50:00 PST

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

For all the local folks - yesterday was an absolutely beautiful day. Minnesota Orchestra Hall was the venue of some great music being shared by gentlemen that live and breathe life experience fr...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Mon, 21 May 2007 12:43:00 PST

Vintage Live Brass Band

Man, YouTube has just about everything imaginable....I found this vintage video of the Dirty Dozen from the New Orleans Jazz Fest 1990...it had to be within a month of the first time I'd met or seen t...
Posted by Jack Brass Band on Mon, 09 Apr 2007 11:18:00 PST