Event

NOLATET

When music is truly happening, it is the boss. When music is kinetic and meaningful, it has it's own agenda. When music is meant to be played, the music itself will find a way. This is how the Nolatet came into being; the music demanded it. These four men have been in each other's lives, either in close proximity or as distant heroes for many years. Johnny Vidacovich (drums) and James Singleton (upright bass) have been New Orleans' best rhythm section since 1977. Mike Dillon (vibes and percussion) and Brian Haas (piano) have been sharing co-bills and sitting in with each other's bands on the same touring circuit for over 20 years. They span four decades in ageVidacovich is in his 70s, Singleton in his 60s, Dillon in his 50s and Haas in his 40s. All four musicians are fiercely independent iconoclasts and bandleaders who compose, play and navigate their musical lives in their own unique way.

As like vibration always attracts like vibration, it is no surprise that after years of loose collaboration with each other the four should finally become one with the formation of the Nolatet. After five shows in New Orleans in January 2015, the quartet ducked into New Orleans' famed Esplanade Studios to record their debut album, Dogs. Set for release on February 26 via Royal Potato Family, the collection features all original material influenced by the diverse lives and perceptions of these four jazz avatars. While traditional jazz is the backbone and starting point for the Nolatet's musical language, each member's piercing individuality allows innovation to be a constant throughout the album. The entire album was recorded in one day, all first or second takes with no overdubs. Sketches for compositions were in place, but ultimately this is improvised music made in the moment with wild abandon, in a state of complete respect for and by each human involved.