Erik Jekabson New Orleans Quintet with Kenny Washington

Vocalist extraordinaire Kenny Washington and trumpeter Erik Jekabson deliver the true New Orleans sound and spirit, but with a modern twist. Washington is a New Orleans native and Jekabson has lived and performed in the Big Easy. They are backed by Jekabson’s New Orleans Sextet: Rob Barics, clarinet and tenor sax; Dan Zemelman, piano; Ron Belcher, bass; and Deszon Claiborne, drums. The evening will include traditional New Orleans tunes, both instrumental and vocal, performed in the fun, loose, freewheeling style that is so representative of the Big Easy.

Erik Jekabson is a trumpet player, composer, arranger and educator who lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is equally busy playing and composing for different bands, leading his own groups, teaching a wide variety of students and running the Young Musicians Program at the California Jazz Conservatory.

Erik has eight CDs out under his own name: “One Note at a Time” (2020) “Erik Jekabson Sextet” (2018) and “Erik Jekabson Quintet” on the Wide Hive label, “A Brand New Take” (2016) on the OA2 record label, and “Erik Jekabson Quartet & John Santos: Live at the Hillside Club”, (2014) ,“Anti-Mass”(2012) , and “Crescent Boulevard” (2010) on his own Jekab’s Music record label. His debut CD, “Intersection”, was recorded in New York in 2002 and released on the Fresh Sound/New Talent label.

Kenny Washington thrills audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting. He is described as one of “the Bay Area’s best kept musical secrets,” Washington’s astounding improvisational flights, inventive approach and emotional intensity are awe inspiring. If you have never heard this New Orleans native sing before, prepare to join a global audience that has been wowed by Washington’s talent.

Host or Publisher Bay Area Jazz & Arts, Inc