Biography
The New Orleans Nightcrawlers are a renowned brass band based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1994 by pianist Tom McDermott, sousaphonist Matt Perrine, and trumpeter Kevin Clark. Conceived as a writer’s workshop for brass band music, the group quickly distinguished itself with sophisticated arrangements and an innovative approach to the traditional New Orleans brass band sound. The original lineup featured some of the city’s most accomplished musicians, including Barney Floyd, Frank Oxley, Mark Morris, Peter Kaplan, Craig Klein, Rick Trolsen, Eric Traub, Ken 'Snakebite' Jacobs, Jason Mingledorff, and Satoru Ohashi.
Over the years, the Nightcrawlers have become a staple of the New Orleans music scene, performing at Jazzfest for over two decades and touring internationally in Japan, Brazil, Europe, and across the United States. Their 2020 album, 'Atmosphere,' won the Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album, a major milestone that brought national recognition during the challenging pandemic period. Their follow-up, 'Too Much to Hold,' was also Grammy-nominated in 2023. The band’s music blends traditional jazz, modern funk, Latin influences, and intricate horn arrangements, creating a sound that is both rooted in New Orleans tradition and refreshingly contemporary. Their legacy is marked by their ability to bridge generations of musicians and audiences, as well as their collaborations with a diverse array of artists from the local and national scenes.
Fun Facts
- The band was featured in Season 29 of The Simpsons, highlighting their cultural impact beyond the music world.
- Their 2020 Grammy-winning album 'Atmosphere' took 11 years to complete due to the members' busy schedules with other projects.
- The Nightcrawlers were originally conceived as a writer’s workshop, not as a performing band, but quickly became a working ensemble.
- Longtime drummer Kerry 'Fatman' Hunter tragically died during Mardi Gras 2024 after being struck by a drunk driver.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dirty_Dozen_Brass_Band - The Nightcrawlers were originally modeled on the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, drawing inspiration from their modern approach to brass band music. (General stylistic influence; no specific albums cited.) [1990s]
Key Collaborators
- Henry Butler - Pianist and vocalist who performed and recorded with the Nightcrawlers. (Live performances and recordings (specific albums not cited).) [2000s-2010s]
- Evan Christopher - Clarinetist who has performed and recorded with the band. (Live performances and recordings (specific albums not cited).) [2000s-2010s]
- Trombone Shorty - Trombonist and trumpeter who has performed and recorded with the Nightcrawlers. (Live performances and recordings (specific albums not cited).) [2000s-2010s]
- Bruce Hornsby - Pianist and singer-songwriter who performed and recorded with the band. (Live performances and recordings (specific albums not cited).) [2000s-2010s]
- Bonerama - Members of Nightcrawlers have performed with this New Orleans brass-funk band. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- Papa Grows Funk - Nightcrawlers members have performed with this funk band. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- New Orleans Jazz Orchestra - Nightcrawlers members have performed with this ensemble. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- Royal Fingerbowl - Nightcrawlers members have performed with this group. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- New Birth Brass Band - Nightcrawlers members have performed with this group. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- Otra - Nightcrawlers members have performed with this Latin jazz group. (Shared performances and band member overlap.) [2000s-2010s]
- Pell, Alfred_Banks, HaSizzle - Rappers featured on the Nightcrawlers' NBA tribute track 'Smooth Like a Pelican.' ('Smooth Like a Pelican' single.) [2020s]
Artists Influenced
- Younger New Orleans brass bands - The Nightcrawlers' innovative arrangements and genre-blending style have influenced a new generation of brass bands in New Orleans. (General influence; no specific bands or albums cited.) [2000s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Funknicity | 1997-01-01 | Album |
| Live at the Old Point | 2000 | Album |
| New Orleans Nightcrawlers | 1996-01-01 | Album |
| Atmosphere | 2020-03-14 | Album |
| Slither Slice | 2009-01-01 | Album |
| Too Much to Hold | 2023-04-13 | Album |
| New Orleans Nightcrawlers | 1996-07-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Funky Liza (Funknicity)
- Funky Liza (Meet Me At Mardi Gras)
- Oye Como Va (Live at the Old Point)
- Parlor For The 'Crawlers (New Orleans Nightcrawlers)
- Can of Worms (Live at the Old Point)
- Ursuline Second Line (Atmosphere)
- Bourbon St. Parade (New Orleans Nightcrawlers)
- Gentilly Groove (Atmosphere)
- Pick Up the Pieces (Funknicity)
- Sidewalk Strut (Live at the Old Point)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
New Orleans Nightcrawlers has been played 23 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.