Nolatet at Kuumbwa Jazz Center

The four musicians who comprise Nolatet have been a part of each other’s lives for many years. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich and bassist James Singleton have had a reputation for being one of the Crescent City’s best rhythm sections since they began playing together in 1977. Vibraphonist/percussionist Mike Dillon and pianist Brian Haas have shared concert billings and have sat in with each other’s bands on the local circuit for over twenty years. It seemed only a matter of time before these four musicians joined forces as a band. After their debut concerts in early 2015, the quartet hunkered down in New Orleans’ famed Esplanade Studios to record their debut album, Dogs...

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The four musicians who comprise Nolatet have been a part of each other’s lives for many years. Drummer Johnny Vidacovich and bassist James Singleton have had a reputation for being one of the Crescent City’s best rhythm sections since they began playing together in 1977. Vibraphonist/percussionist Mike Dillon and pianist Brian Haas have shared concert billings and have sat in with each other’s bands on the local circuit for over twenty years. It seemed only a matter of time before these four musicians joined forces as a band. After their debut concerts in early 2015, the quartet hunkered down in New Orleans’ famed Esplanade Studios to record their debut album, Dogs. A collection of original material, Dogs retains a traditional jazz backbone, which remains a centering touch-point and common ground for each of the musicians. Reminiscent of sixties ‘small-group’ jazz combos at times, the sounds of New Orleans seeps through with second line grooves, earthy percussion and jam-friendly arrangements where each player’s individuality comes through. It makes sense that the album was recorded live with no overdubs––it’s four longtime friends having a musical conversation in about the city they call home.

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