New Orleans Jazz Vipers

Biography

The New Orleans Jazz Vipers are a renowned swing band formed in 1999 in New Orleans, Louisiana, by saxophonist and vocalist Joe Braun. The group emerged from the vibrant street music scene of Jackson Square, where Braun and early collaborators like John Rodli and Robert Snow honed their craft alongside legendary local musicians. Their initial performances took place in intimate French Quarter bars, playing for eclectic crowds and quickly gaining a following among local swing dancers and jazz aficionados.

As pioneers of the 'Frenchmen Street Swing Renaissance,' the Jazz Vipers became the first jazz band to play at the now-iconic Spotted Cat Music Club, establishing a long-running weekly residency that helped revitalize New Orleans’ live jazz scene. Their repertoire draws from swing-era greats such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong, as well as original compositions. The band’s energetic, dance-friendly style and commitment to traditional jazz have earned them multiple awards, including Offbeat Magazine’s Best of the Beat and the Big Easy Award for Best Traditional Jazz Band. After Hurricane Katrina, the Vipers were among the first bands to return to New Orleans, performing even when the city was still without electricity, and their resilience became emblematic of the city’s musical spirit.

Over the years, the Jazz Vipers have seen numerous lineup changes, featuring many of New Orleans’ top jazz musicians. Their music has been featured on HBO’s 'Treme,' and their original song 'I Hope You’re Coming Back to New Orleans' was included in the show's Grammy-nominated soundtrack. Today, the band continues to perform regularly, maintaining their status as a cornerstone of New Orleans swing and traditional jazz.

Fun Facts

• The New Orleans Jazz Vipers were the first jazz band to play at the Spotted Cat Music Club, now a legendary venue for live jazz in New Orleans.
• After Hurricane Katrina, the band was among the first to return and perform in New Orleans, even playing in Jackson Square and at the Spotted Cat without electricity.
• Their original song 'I Hope You’re Coming Back to New Orleans' was featured in the first season of HBO’s 'Treme,' with bandleader Joe Braun appearing as himself.
• The band’s lineup has included many of New Orleans’ top jazz musicians, and several former members have gone on to notable solo careers or join other prominent groups.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tuba Fats - Joe Braun learned New Orleans music playing in Jackson Square with Tuba Fats, absorbing traditional jazz techniques and repertoire. (Street performances, informal mentorship) [1990s]
• Uncle Lionel Batiste - Another influential figure for Joe Braun during his formative years in the Jackson Square scene. (Street performances, informal mentorship) [1990s]
• Andrews/Hill family - Young musicians from these prominent New Orleans families were part of the street scene that shaped Braun’s early style. (Street performances) [1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Jack Fine - Founding cornetist and early band member, helped establish the band's sound. (The New Orleans Jazz Vipers (2002)) [1999–early 2000s]
• John Rodli - Founding guitarist/vocalist, contributed to early albums and performances. (The New Orleans Jazz Vipers (2002), Live on Frenchmen Street (2004)) [1999–mid 2000s]
• Clay Windham - Founding bassist, part of the original lineup. (The New Orleans Jazz Vipers (2002)) [1999–early 2000s]
• A.P. Gonzalez - Founding drummer, contributed to the band's early rhythm section. (The New Orleans Jazz Vipers (2002)) [1999–early 2000s]
• Genvieve Duvale - Founding trombonist, part of the original ensemble. (The New Orleans Jazz Vipers (2002)) [1999–early 2000s]
• Craig Klein - Current trombonist/vocalist, key member in the modern lineup. (Live and Viperizin' (2017), Is There a Chance For Me (2020)) [2010–present]
• Molly Reeves - Current guitarist/vocalist, featured on recent albums. (Live and Viperizin' (2017), Is There a Chance For Me (2020)) [2014–present]
• Earl Bonie - Current clarinetist/tenor saxophonist, part of the modern ensemble. (Live and Viperizin' (2017), Is There a Chance For Me (2020)) [2014–present]
• Steve DeTroy - Current pianist/vocalist, featured on recent recordings. (Live and Viperizin' (2017), Is There a Chance For Me (2020)) [2010s–present]
• Mitchell Player - Current bassist/vocalist, key member in the band’s rhythm section. (Live and Viperizin' (2017), Is There a Chance For Me (2020)) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Frenchmen Street swing bands - The Jazz Vipers are credited as pioneers of the 'Frenchmen Street Swing Renaissance,' inspiring a new generation of swing and traditional jazz bands in New Orleans. (Local scene development, live residencies) [2000s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Hope Your Comin' Back To New Orleans (Treme: Music From The HBO Original Series, Season 1)
2. All That Meat & No Potatoes (Going, Going, Gone)
3. I Hope You're Comin' Back to New Orleans (feat. Irma Thomas) (Going, Going, Gone)
4. Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone (Going, Going, Gone)
5. Going! Going! Gone (Going, Going, Gone)
6. I Can't Believe You're in Love With Me (Going, Going, Gone)
7. Hummin' to Myself (Going, Going, Gone)
8. Keeping Out of Mischief Now (Going, Going, Gone)
9. Way Down Yonder in New Orleans (Going, Going, Gone)
10. One O'Clock Jump (Going, Going, Gone)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jazz, #new-orleans, #swing