Naughty Professor

Biography

Naughty Professor is a New Orleans-based jazz-funk sextet formed in 2010 by musicians who met as students in Loyola University’s jazz program. Drawn together by their shared passion for the city’s rich musical heritage, the band quickly developed a reputation for their adventurous, horn-driven sound and high-energy live performances, becoming a fixture on the New Orleans music scene soon after graduation. Their early years were marked by relentless touring and a commitment to both honoring and expanding upon the city’s jazz, R&B, and brass traditions.

The band’s discography began with 'Until the Next Time' (2013), followed by 'Out On A Limb' (2015) and the live album 'In the Flesh' (2016), each release further raising their national profile and earning critical acclaim. Their 2017 album 'Identity' marked a major milestone, featuring a wide array of guest artists and showcasing their ability to blend complex, inventive compositions with organic improvisation. Naughty Professor’s innovative approach bridges the gap between cerebral jazz and accessible, groove-oriented funk, making their music both thought-provoking and widely appealing.

Known for their genre-bending collaborations and willingness to experiment, Naughty Professor has become synonymous with the vibrant, forward-looking spirit of New Orleans music. Their influence is felt both through their recordings and their dynamic live shows, which have drawn praise from peers and critics alike for their depth, vision, and infectious energy.

Fun Facts

• The band was formed by students at Loyola University New Orleans, reflecting the city's tradition of nurturing young jazz talent.
• Naughty Professor was nominated for 'Best Emerging Artist' at Gambit Weekly’s Big Easy Music Awards in 2013 and for 'Best Funk Band' every year since.
• Their album 'Identity' features over a dozen guest artists, making it a showcase of New Orleans' collaborative spirit.
• Bassist Noah Young and drummer Sam Shahin have been individually recognized as finalists for 'Best at their Instruments' by Offbeat Magazine.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• New Orleans jazz and brass traditions - Stylistic and cultural influence; the band members were inspired by the city's musical heritage and history. (Overall approach and sound, especially evident in albums like 'Identity') [2010s-present]

Key Collaborators

• Chali 2na (Jurassic 5) - Featured rapper and collaborator on two tracks of the 'Identity' album. ('Darker Daze', 'Sugar Coat' (both on 'Identity')) [2017]
• Ivan_Neville - Contributed to the track 'Sugar Coat' on the 'Identity' album. ('Sugar Coat' ('Identity')) [2017]
• David Shaw (The Revivalists) - Provided vocals on the track 'Stray' from the 'Identity' album. ('Stray' ('Identity')) [2017]
• Eric 'Benny' Bloom (Lettuce) - Trumpet feature on 'Without a Trace' from 'Identity'. ('Without a Trace' ('Identity')) [2017]
• The_Soul_Rebels - Members contributed horns to the album closer 'Funk 4 Lunch' on 'Identity'. ('Funk 4 Lunch' ('Identity')) [2017]
• Sasha_Masakowski_and_The_Sidewalk - Jazz vocalist featured as a guest on 'Identity'. ('Identity' album) [2017]
• Mike Dillon - Percussionist featured on 'Identity'. ('Identity' album) [2017]
• Dexter Gilmore - Singer/guitarist featured on 'I Can't Sleep At Night' from 'Identity'. ('I Can't Sleep At Night' ('Identity')) [2017]
• Skerik - Guest saxophonist featured on the track 'Kings'. ('Kings') [2010s]
• Band Members - Core members who have shaped the band's sound: Ian Bowman (tenor sax), John Culbreth (trumpet), Bill Daniel (guitar), Nick Ellman (alto/baritone sax), Sam Shahin (drums), Noah Young (bass). (All albums and live performances) [2010-present]

Artists Influenced

• Emerging New Orleans jazz-funk musicians - Naughty Professor's innovative blend of jazz, funk, and brass traditions has inspired a new generation of New Orleans musicians, particularly those seeking to bridge traditional and contemporary sounds. (Local scene collaborations and mentorship through performances and workshops) [2010s-present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Stray (feat. David Shaw) (Identity)
2. Saturday Sinner (Saturday Sinner)
3. Gotta Get Back (Gotta Get Back)
4. Without a Trace (feat. Eric Benny Bloom) (Identity)
5. Pleiades (Pleiades)
6. Stray (Stray)
7. Stolen Ones (feat. Mykia Jovan) (Identity)
8. Wings to Fly (Wings to Fly)
9. Somebody (Somebody)
10. Mirrors (feat. Cole DeGenova) (Identity)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia