smoking time

Biography

The Smoking Time Jazz Club is a New Orleans-based traditional jazz band formed around 2011, dedicated to reviving and refreshing the music of the 1920s and 1930s for modern audiences, swing dancers, and jazz fans. Led by vocalist Sarah Peterson, who arrived in New Orleans in 2003 and became a key figure in the city's vibrant jazz scene, the band draws deep inspiration from the city's musical legacy, including early New Orleans jazz and blues. They perform with reverence for pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Bessie Smith, and Billie Holiday, reimagining their contributions to keep these ideas relevant today.[1][2][3][5]

Over 13 years, the band has released numerous albums, including 'Mean Tones And High Notes' (2019), 'Take Your Time And Fly' (2017), and others dating back to 2011, often recorded in iconic New Orleans studios like Living Room Studios and Piety Studios. Their style blends fresh vocal interpretations by Peterson—who has evolved into a distinctive singer paying tribute to 1920s originators—with tight ensemble playing on trumpet, trombone, clarinet, saxophone, bass, drums, guitar, and banjo. Long-running weekly gigs at venues like The Maison and The Spotted Cat have fostered their cohesive sound in a city known for freelance musicians.[1][2]

The band's legacy lies in their mission to bridge tradition and innovation, earning respect for creative arrangements of classics like 'Perdido Street Blues' and 'You Made Me Love You When I Saw You Cry,' alongside hot instrumentals such as 'The Eel' and 'Trombone Slide.' They continue New Orleans' storied history of jazz preservation while attracting new listeners through consistent output and live performances.[2][5]

Fun Facts

• Sarah Peterson creates the artwork for many of their album covers, including collages and designs, blending her visual and musical talents.[1]
• The band has maintained a tight, loyal lineup amid New Orleans' freelance music scene, enabling long-running weekly gigs at The Maison and The Spotted Cat.[2]
• They record frequently in historic New Orleans spots like The Tigermen’s Den, Living Room Studios in the French Quarter, and Piety Studios in the 9th Ward.[1]
• Vocalist Sarah Peterson first came to New Orleans in 2003, transitioning from outsider to a prominent figure in its female jazz vocalist tradition.[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Louis Armstrong - Primary stylistic influence and genius whose classics are frequently covered ('Perdido Street Blues', 'You Made Me Love You When I Saw You Cry') [1920s-1930s influences, ongoing]
• Duke Ellington - Key inspiration for jazz contributions revived by the band (General repertoire) [1920s-1930s influences, ongoing]
• Jelly Roll Morton - Early New Orleans jazz pioneer influencing their sound (General repertoire) [1920s influences, ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Sarah Peterson - Band leader and lead vocalist (All albums including 'Mean Tones And High Notes' (2019), 'Take Your Time And Fly' (2017)) [2011-present]
• Jack Pritchett - Trumpet player, core member across multiple albums (Most albums from 2011 onward) [2011-present]
• John Joyce - Upright bass player, frequent vocalist, core member (All albums including 'Step It Up And Go') [2011-present]
• Mike Voelker - Drums, consistent core member (Numerous albums from 2011) [2011-present]
• Joe Goldberg - Multi-instrumentalist on clarinet, saxophone, piano ('Take Your Time And Fly' (2017), others) [2013-present]
• Russell Ramirez - Trombone player in recent lineups ('Mean Tones And High Notes' (2019), 'Take Your Time And Fly' (2017)) [2016-present]
• Brett Gardner - Guitar and banjo (Multiple albums including 2019 and 2017 releases) [2016-present]

External Links

• Spotify