NEW LIVE CD, “DANCE OF THE HOT EARTH,” ARRIVES IN TIME FOR JAZZ FEST!

CD Release party on Sunday, April 28th, 10pm at the Allways Lounge (24oo St. Claude Ave.)

“The Panoramic view of the soundscape is pungently condensed to a hip and worldly mix…”  Nick Spitzer, American Routes

The Panorama Jazz Band, under the direction of clarinetist Ben Schenck, has been working steadily in New Orleans (Louisiana, USA) since 1995.  As well as jazz (in the tradition of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Sidney Bechet), this group has brought a New Orleans approach to various genres of folkloric music from around the world – especially Eastern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America.  The instruments in the band (clarinet, alto saxophone, trombone, accordion, banjo, tuba and drums) have been used to get crowds dancing for centuries and, despite the recent appearance of electrified and synthetic music, these young musicians still prefer natural, handmade sounds.

Their love of their home town and its sonic environment brought them back to New Orleans after hurricane Katrina and inspires every note they play.  Their fascination with music from other cultures has given them a vast and varied repertoire and made them a favorite of New Orleans’ music fans.

Our entire catalog is now available on iTunes and other digital outlets!