Band Profile

Band Info

Frog Island Jazz Band – Formed in 1962, features Classic New Orleans jazz of the twenties and early thirties. The band’s repertoire covers the music from a wide range of the era which includes such names as Jelly Roll Morton Red Hot Peppers, The New Orleans Wanderers, Johnny Dodd’s Blackbottom Stompers, Papa Celestin’s Tuxedo Jazz Orchestra, Clarence Williams and King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band. Despite the limitation of the line-up, with only one cornet, the band has built an international reputation for its feeling and enthusiasm when recreating the Classic King Oliver recordings. During its 50 years existence the band has appeared regularly at jazz clubs through the United Kingdom, and has played on numerous occasions in Holland, Belgium and Germany. In April 1980, the band travelled to New Orleans and was the only British band to appear at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Returning in 1982 the Mayor of New Orleans conferred the title of ‘International Honorary Citizens’ upon the band for its services to the music of the city. The band returned for the festival again in 1986 and 1988, receiving a warm and enthusiastic reception.