♫ Jazzapedia

Nola String Kings

Biography

The NOLA String Kings are a contemporary jazz string trio based in New Orleans, Louisiana, known for their inventive arrangements and dedication to the city’s rich musical traditions. The group consists of John Rankin (guitar), Matt Rhody (violin, mandolin), and Don Vappie (guitar, banjo), all of whom are established musicians with deep roots in the New Orleans scene[3][4]. Their music draws from the legacy of early New Orleans string bands, blending jazz, Creole, Latin, and folk influences into a sound that is both historically informed and refreshingly modern[3]. The trio’s approach emphasizes collective improvisation, with multiple melodic lines weaving together in the spirit of classic New Orleans jazz[3]. Their album 'Dream Palace' showcases original compositions alongside reinterpretations of standards, highlighting their technical prowess and playful, communal spirit[3]. While the NOLA String Kings are a relatively recent ensemble, their members’ individual careers span decades, and the group itself has become a respected part of the city’s live music landscape, performing at venues and festivals that celebrate New Orleans’ musical heritage[4].

Fun Facts

  • The NOLA String Kings’ album 'Dream Palace' was recorded just before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown, capturing a moment of creative energy before live music venues closed[3].
  • All three members sing as well as play multiple instruments, adding vocal harmonies and lyrical wit to their performances[4].
  • The group’s repertoire includes both original songs and reimagined classics, such as Hoagy Carmichael’s 'Riverboat Shuffle' and Sidney Bechet’s 'Si Tu Vois Ma Mere'[3].
  • Despite their name, the NOLA String Kings are not a revival act but a living, evolving ensemble that bridges past and present New Orleans music traditions[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Early New Orleans string bands - Stylistic inspiration and historical foundation (Traditional New Orleans jazz and folk repertoire) [Late 19th–early 20th century]

Key Collaborators

  • John Rankin - Co-founder, guitarist, vocalist (NOLA String Kings, New Orleans Guitar Masters, The Classic Jazz Trio) [2010s–present]
  • Matt Rhody - Co-founder, violinist, mandolinist, vocalist (NOLA String Kings, New Orleans Jazz Vipers, Hot Club of New Orleans) [2010s–present]
  • Don Vappie - Co-founder, guitarist, banjoist, vocalist (NOLA String Kings, solo projects, Creole Jazz Serenaders) [2010s–present]

Connection Network

Current Artist
Collaborators
Influenced
Mentors
Has Page
No Page

Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Dream Palace 2021-10-15 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Dream Palace (Dream Palace)
  2. Riverboat Shuffle (Dream Palace)
  3. The Blue Book of Storyville (Dream Palace)
  4. Hot Sauce (Dream Palace)
  5. Couleur de Creole (Dream Palace)
  6. Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (Dream Palace)
  7. Limehouse Blues (Dream Palace)
  8. Careless Love (Dream Palace)
  9. I Would If I Could (Dream Palace)
  10. Crescent City Moonwalk (Dream Palace)

Heard on WWOZ

Nola String Kings has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Oct 27, 202513:44Si Tu Vois Ma Merefrom Dream PalaceNew Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves