New Orleans Jazz - this band is exciting, fun, unique
and very musical.
Booking inquiry form:
The
Original Dixieland Jazz Band performs traditional Dixieland jazz, “The Music
That Made New Orleans Famoussm” producing a current sound with truly
authentic New Orleans music. They are the oldest Dixieland jazz band with a
direct link back to 1916, securing over 96 years of tradition. The ODJB produce
a sound that is true to the original music, structure and harmony yet leap
forward with innovative and creative improvised solos, in authentic jazz form.
In the element of New Orleans Jazz Ambassadors they are held in the highest
regard, humbly performing throughout the world to sold-out audiences. This band
has earned its place in history having recorded the very first jass recordings
in 1917 and securing the word “jazz” as a musical genre. They were the very
first to sell over a million recordings of a new American “pop” music for
dancing which they held for over six years. From 1917 until 1938, the ODJB
recorded over fifty-two (52!) records and continues today with over four more
full albums under the direction of the original leader’s son, Jimmy LaRocca. In
naming only a few, they have performed to sold-out venues in Italy, Japan,
Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Scotland and Brazil. Today, a family
tradition continues, honoring jazz heritage from the one and only crescent city,
New Orleans, the Big Easy! Toe tapping, hand clapping, finger snapping, happy
music, the ODJB carry on a famous sound that is nearing one hundred years of
glorious, swingin’ music.
Direct from New Orleans - Established in
1916
Dominic James "Nick"
LaRocca
Jimmy LaRocca
1889-1961
Continuing the tradition
In
1917, under the leadership of Nick LaRocca, the Original Dixieland Jazz Band (ODJB)
made the first
jazz recording. This first and many to follow were instant sensational
“Hits” that were inspirational and influential beyond imagination. The
success of the ODJB recordings was immense and musicians worldwide changed
instrumentation to emulate the sound and style they made famous. From
1917 to 1938 they recorded fifty-two 78’s that are still sold today on various
CD compilations.
(Click on the photo below for a printable 8 X 10.)
On
February 8, 2006 the Original Dixieland Jazz Band was inducted into the
Grammy Hall of Fame for their 1917 recording of the “Darktown Strutter’s
Ball.”
The ODJB is back in full swing under the direction of the original
leader’s son, Jimmy LaRocca, on trumpet and vocals, with a fine ensemble of
New Orleans musicians. They have performed concerts and jazz festivals worldwide
and have four internationally selling CD’s on the ODJB Records label.
Jimmy and the ODJB are dedicated to jazz education through clinics, lectures and
workshops. The ODJB shines the brightest on a concert stage and it is refreshing
to see so many people tap feet, clap hands, smile and comment on how good they
feel when they listen to this music from New Orleans.
Think of visiting a famous New Orleans restaurant and wanting to taste
everything on the menu … this is what you get in an ODJB performance with selections
such as “Dixie Jass Band One-Step,” “Livery Stable Blues,” “Fidgety
Feet,” “Clarinet Marmalade,” “Tiger Rag,” “St. Louis Blues,”
“St. James Infirmary,” “Bourbon Street Parade,” “When It’s Sleepy
Time Down South,” “Basin Street Blues,” “When the Saints Go Marching
In” and many other great New Orleans classics.
Over 96 years of tradition place Jimmy LaRocca's
Original
Dixieland Jazz Band®
in a
spotlight of their own.
1916 to present
INCREDIBLE, UNFORGETTABLE ... JAZZ
Notable quotes:
… wonderfully evocative of the era, …The front line … is so well versed in traditional jazz polyphony that the band’s fundamental inspiration was always evident.
- Mike Joyce, The Washington Post, Monday, August 5, 2002
“Jimmy LaRocca leads a fine contemporary New Orleans band”
- Jack Sohmer, Mississippi Rag, 2001
“I have never heard anyone play trumpet like Jimmy LaRocca. He is the best in the world for this style of music.”
- Presenter, German Postal Conference, 2000
“Your band is fantastic. It is rare for any band performing here to get a standing ovation like you have received.”
- Ake Bjorange, Sandviken Big Band Bang, Sweden, 1999
“The first great jazz orchestra was formed in New Orleans by a cornet player named Dominick James LaRocca. They were the hottest five pieces that had ever been known before. They all came to be famous players and the Dixieland Band has gone down now in musical history.”
- Louis Armstrong, Swing That Music, 1936
Contact Information:
- Telephone:
- 504-283-3786 / 1-800-668-7429
- Address:
-
PO Box 24369, New Orleans, LA 70184-4369 USA
- Email: Please use the
booking inquiry form or the feed back form located on the top or left
menu bar to contact us.
-
or call ODJB agent at 504-283-3786 (1-800-668-7429 toll free)
