With jubilant vigor that spills from the stage to the streets,
FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND revitalizes the energy of the roots of Jazz. In
paying homage to the pioneers of early 20th Century Jazz, including that of
Dixieland and New Orleans, the Firecracker Jazz Band carries the torch that
was once lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong & Bix
Beiderbeck.
MEMBERS:
JE WIDENHOUSE (trumpet and cornet) has been traveling the world and
playing professionally for 15 years. Previous projects include Squirrel Nut
Zippers, Sex Police, and Hobex. This ensemble is especially rewarding and
challenging, and Je has endeavored to accept Jazz as his personal savior.
EARL SACHAIS (trombone) is a former music instructor and New York City
hired gun for the performing ensembles such as Warren Covington and the
Tommy Dorsey Band. He has backed Barbara Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr, and
many others. Earl has a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music Degree from the
Manhattan School of Music.
REESE GRAY (piano, banjo, ukulele and saw) is an amazing stride pianist in the
style of Fats Waller. He embodies the early American jazz scene, dressing the
part and with raw enthusiasm for the music that keeps it fresh. Former
projects include Squirrel Nut Zippers and Asylum Street Spankers.
JON CORBIN (guitar) adds a steady swing to the rhythm section on guitar and
tenor banjo. He patterns his playing style with the Firecrackers after Eddie
Lang and Django Rienhardt, the pre-eminent guitarists of the early jazz era.
Former projects include The Rib Tips and the Eliza Lynn Band.
MICHAEL GRAY (drums) drives the rhythm with an energy and expressiveness
rarely demonstrated in traditional jazz. A native of Baltimore, and the younger
brother of pianist Reese Gray, Mike’s musical influences include Baby Dodds,
Papa Joe Jones, and Buddy Rich.
RICK NEIMAN (tuba) comes from a musical family and made his debut on his parents radio show at the age of 7. Rick attended Temple University (Philadelphia), majoring in Music Education and Performance. Although his training is mainly in the Classical vein, Rick has performed with a number of touring companies, The Guy Lombardo Band and The Henry Mancini Orchestra, as well as National companies, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and Long Horn Rodeo bands, and has backed Bob Hope, George Burns and Wayne Newton to name a few.
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Notable Performances by the FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND include Bonnaroo,
Highline Ballroom in NYC, Sacramento Jazz Fest, Seaside Dixie Jazz Fest
in Oregon, Mr. Smalls in Pittsburg, Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, The
Birchmere in Alexandria, VA & Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, OH.
