In 2019, band members Hammond organist Bob Wijnen and trumpeter and flugelhorn player Ellister van der Molen visited the birthplace of jazz. This inspired Ellister to write two songs for “NOLA” – “Ahooo!” and “Sola”. She also arranged eleven New Orleans standards with Bob Wijnen. The pair also took the opportunity to play the music of New Orleans in several performances, including one with famed trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis.

“Being a New Orleanian I really appreciate it when someone pays homage to the great musical history of my hometown. Many try and miss the mark by not fully understanding the true nature of the culture. RED in the other fully feels and embodies the vibe and spirit of New Orleans.

From the opening ‘Art’ it’s very apparent that they’ve spent time in New Orleans gaining insight into how the music was created and what it means to the city. Listen to ‘It Ain’t My Fault’, you can hear the rhythmic vibrancy that is NOLA coming through every musical phrase. ‘St James’ pays homage to our classic history. Then the swinging nature of ‘Blues My Naughty Sweetie Gives To Me’ shows how the band has a grasp on many aspects of the musical diversity of NOLA. I really enjoyed listening to RED’s take on ‘Monkey Puzzle’, a personal favorite of mine.

The entire album is filled with great playing. Loving NOLA from start to finish.”

— Terence Blanchard

“NOLA is, inspired by New Orleans, the cradle of jazz. Together with Hammond organ player Bob Wijnen I visited the town and we both got to play with the cream of the crop of the jazz and funk scene including Delfeayo Marsalis, Johnny Vidacovich… Back in the Netherlands we used this inspiration to arrange the repertoire for NOLA. Most of the titles are classics that are strongly connected with the crescent city.”

— Ellister van der Molen

“In New Orleans, we celebrate everything. It’s probably the only place you’ll see people dancing in a funeral home”

— Trombone Shorty

Red 
Ellister van der Molen – Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Gideon Tazelaar – Tenor Saxophone
Bob Wijnen – Hammond Organ
Wouter Kuhne – Drums

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