Top Jazz Bands In Philadelphia
At one point in time, Philadelphia was a jazz haven, with greats like Dizzy Gillespie and John Coltrane calling the city home. Although the scene has dwindled since, there are still multiple jazz clubs and great musicians bringing the genre to life. Read on for the top jazz bands in Philadelphia.
The All Star Trio
www.allstarjazz.net
With Andy Kahn on piano, Bruce Klauber on drums and Bruce Kaminsky on bass, the All Star Jazz Trio consists of an accomplished and versatile set of musicians who started the band in 1972 and are still going strong 43 years later. You can catch the jazz trio every Wednesday evening (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.) at the Chinese restaurant Square on Square, but the All Star Jazz Trio has been seen playing in places like Chris' Jazz Café and Sellersville Theater (with vocalists like Peggy King and Mary Ellen Desmond).
The Craig Satchell Experience
(610) 259-4396
www.craigsatchell.com
Craig Satchell is an accomplished keyboardist who plays an array of musical styles. You can hear him solo on the piano every Friday and Saturday night at the Bistro Romano or in the Craig Satchell Jazz & Swing Ensemble, which can be made up as a duo, trio or up to seven-piece band. The band performs an eclectic list of jazz styles, like be bop, swing, dixieland and smooth jazz. The ensemble is available to hire for weddings, corporate events and other special occasions.
The Crowd Pleasers
(215) 545-4511
www.bobandbarbaras.com
The Crowd Pleasers is Bob and Barbara's (no cover) main attraction every Friday and Saturday night, beginning around 9:30 p.m. and ending at 2 a.m. Led with a Hammond B-3 organ, the band's style is labeled as "liquor drinking music" and the members play a mixture of jazz standards, blues and original compositions. The band has been a South Street staple for more than 20 years and, although none of the original members are still with us, the band continually packs the house with its impressive musicianship and danceable tunes.
Drew Nugent & the Midnight Society
www.drewnugent.com
Drew Nugent is a pianist, trumpeter and vocalist and his band plays what is called HOT Jazz, a style of jazz that was made popular during the early 20th century. Drew Nugent is authentic as one can be, even going so far as wearing vintage suits and using vintage instruments. You can see Drew Nugent and the Midnight Society playing around town in venues like Saloon, Underground Arts, Paris Bistro & Jazz Café and the Gaslight.
Related: Top Jazz Spots In Philadelphia
Perseverance Jazz Band
www.perseverancemusic.com
Perseverance Jazz Band began in West Philadelphia in 2010, but sounds more like something that came straight out of New Orleans. This band delves deep into the history of jazz to bring songs of the prohibition era back to life. Perseverance Jazz Band is well versed in the styles of ragtime, dixieland, swing and traditional jazz. You can see the group play bars and clubs around Philadelphia, as well as festivals, weddings and dance parties.
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Kelly Neilson is a freelance writer living and working in Philadelphia. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
