Nola Resistance Quintet

Biography

The Nola Resistance Quintet (NRQ) is a New Orleans-based jazz funk band formed by seasoned veterans deeply rooted in the city's musical heritage. Emerging from the New Orleans music scene, the group was conceived by producers and activists Brian D’Arcy and Matt Dillon, who aimed to blend the eternal spirit of Crescent City music with progressive themes. Their debut album 'Nola Resistance' in 2019 was celebrated as a '21st Century record of protest,' offering funkified updates of iconic message songs, drawing from the legacy of groups like the New Orleans Big Band. A follow-up, 'Crescent City Connection,' expanded their sound with all-star collaborators, emphasizing hope, love, and unity through five uplifting tracks.

NRQ's core lineup features pianist Darrell Lavigne, drummer Herman LeBeaux, bassist Chris Severin, saxophonist Roderick Paulin, and trumpeter Andrew Baham, each a journeyman musician with extensive credits alongside legends. Their latest release, 'Morpheus' on Po' Boy Records, showcases fearless innovation at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, featuring guest appearances by Branford Marsalis, vocalists Quiana Lynell and Phillip Manuel, and others. Guided by an 'ear to the past and eyes to the future,' NRQ honors icons like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet while pushing jazz into bold, contemporary directions, with a new album slated for fall 2025.

Performing at venues like the NOLA Jazz Museum and Snug Harbor, NRQ embodies New Orleans' resilient groove, fusing jazz, funk, and R&B. Their music carries forward the city's timeless spirit to a global stage, evolving from protest anthems to celebrations of joy and connection.

Fun Facts

• NRQ members have collectively performed with an impressive array of legends including Dr. John, The Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint, Fats Domino, Bonnie Raitt, The Grateful Dead, Maceo Parker, and the Marsalis brothers.
• The band's second album 'Crescent City Connection' features luminaries like Herlin Riley and June Yamagishi, shifting from protest themes to songs celebrating love and New Orleans resilience.
• Their upcoming album is set for release in fall 2025, continuing their mission to reinvent New Orleans jazz tradition.
• NRQ debuted live at the NOLA Jazz Museum balcony in June 2024, highlighting their deep knowledge of the city's musical history.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Louis Armstrong - stylistic influence and foundational New Orleans jazz pioneer (general body of work inspiring NRQ's tradition) [early 20th century]
• Jelly Roll Morton - stylistic influence and New Orleans jazz originator (general body of work reimagined by NRQ) [early 20th century]
• Sidney Bechet - stylistic influence on New Orleans jazz tradition (general body of work reinvented by NRQ) [early-mid 20th century]

Key Collaborators

• Brian D’Arcy - producer and co-founder (all albums including Nola Resistance (2019), Crescent City Connection, Morpheus) [2019-present]
• Matt Dillon - producer and co-founder (all albums including Nola Resistance (2019), Crescent City Connection, Morpheus) [2019-present]
• Branford Marsalis - guest on title track (Morpheus album) [recent]
• Herlin Riley - featured all-star on album (Crescent City Connection) [post-2019]
• Darrell Lavigne - core band member (piano) (all NRQ albums and performances) [formation-present]
• Chris Severin - core band member (bass) (all NRQ albums and performances) [formation-present]
• Herman LeBeaux - core band member (drums) (all NRQ albums and performances) [formation-present]
• Roderick Paulin - core band member (saxophone) (all NRQ albums and performances) [formation-present]
• Andrew Baham - core band member (trumpet) (all NRQ albums and performances) [formation-present]

External Links

• Spotify