Biography
Le Petit Jazzband de Mr. Morel is a French traditional jazz ensemble dedicated to the authentic recreation of early jazz and Dixieland styles. The group was originally formed under the leadership of Jean-Pierre Morel, a clarinetist and bandleader known for his passion for classic New Orleans jazz. Over the years, the band became recognized for its energetic performances and meticulous attention to period detail, both in repertoire and instrumentation.
In 2003, Gérard Gervois took over as leader, and the band was renamed simply Le Petit Jazzband, with Jean-Pierre Morel continuing to play a central role. The ensemble has performed widely across Europe, including notable appearances in the Netherlands, and has released several albums, such as 'Delta Bound' (1999) and 'Cafe Capers.' Their music is characterized by lively rhythms, collective improvisation, and a deep respect for the roots of jazz, drawing on the works of early jazz composers like Jelly Roll Morton and Sidney Bechet. Le Petit Jazzband de Mr. Morel is celebrated among traditional jazz circles for preserving and revitalizing the spirit of early 20th-century jazz.
Fun Facts
- The band is known for performing rare and lesser-played jazz compositions from the 1920s and 1930s, often reconstructing arrangements from original recordings.
- Le Petit Jazzband de Mr. Morel has performed at jazz festivals throughout Europe, including a notable concert in the Netherlands featuring a full set of Jelly Roll Morton tunes.
- Their album 'Delta Bound' (1999) is highly regarded among collectors of traditional jazz recordings.
- The group has been praised in the Penguin Guide to Jazz for its authentic sound and dedication to early jazz traditions.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Jelly Roll Morton - Stylistic influence; the band frequently performs Morton's compositions and emulates his approach to ensemble jazz. (Grandpa's Spells, Mister Joe) [Ongoing]
- Sidney Bechet - Inspirational figure for the band's clarinet and soprano saxophone stylings. (General repertoire influence) [Ongoing]
Key Collaborators
- Gérard Gervois - Became leader of the band in 2003, collaborating closely with Jean-Pierre Morel. (Le Petit Jazzband albums and performances) [2003–present]
- Jean-Pierre Morel - Founding member and clarinetist, central to the band's identity and sound. (All band recordings and live performances) [Founding–present]
Artists Influenced
- European traditional jazz ensembles - Inspired a new generation of European musicians to explore early jazz styles. (Festival performances, educational workshops) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Au Petit Journal Saint Michel | 2000-07-16 | Album |
| Delta Bound | 1999-06-15 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Scandinavian Stomp (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Sidewalk Blues (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Sweet Mumtaz (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Log Cabin Blues (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Original Tuxedo Rag (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Pacific Coast Blues (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Shake That Jelly Roll (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Bear Wallow Blues (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Bouncing Around (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
- Cole Smoak (Au Petit Journal Saint Michel)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Le Petit Jazzband de Mr. Morel has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2025 | 08:04 | Grandpa's Spellsfrom Delta Bound | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Nov 22, 2025 | 08:01 | Bogalusa Strutfrom Delta Bound | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |