Biography
With a huge repertoire including our own unique songs and arrangements, Calamity Jazz offers the versatility of multi-instrumentalists who happily solo or team up as small combos of two or three, to a large ensemble to satisfy any client, venue or occasion.
The band is proud to honor our American musical heritage by featuring the music of Louis Armstrong, Bix Beiderbecke, Sidney Bechet, Paul Whiteman, Turk Murphey, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, and other musical legends.
Our mascot “Big George the Bass Saxophone” is a rare treat for audiences, providing a truly authentic Dixieland sound. Clients preferring a more modern sound are pleased to find how easily we shift gears to exchange a trombone for a string bass; a bass sax for a clarinet, alto sax or piano; a drum set for a harmonica.
We are an affectionate co-ed configuration of “four guys & four dolls,” which is most unusual in classic jazz. Other exceptional traits among our membership are a veteran movie and theater actor, a professional writer, and a world class arranger who has charted tunes for everyone from Dionne Warwick to the Bolshoi Ballet. Each one of us brings our own flair and enthusiasm to every performance.
Calamity patrons include major department stores, restaurants, churches, city and county governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, small and large businesses, fairs, festivals, and ice cream parlors …you name it. Whether playing for a wedding or a funeral; a store's grand opening or an anniversary party; a parade or a cocktail party – the variety of tunes and instrumentation are guaranteed to captivate.
Looking for a group to play bluegrass? polkas? Latin music? smooth jazz? children's ditties?
We do that, and more!
Music does make the world a better place!
Instrumentation
Multi-instrumentalists available in any combination from one to eight -- or more if you want more horns in the front line! Piano, accordion, Celtic harp, flute, violin, trumpet, percussion, trombone, reeds, bass, vocals, and more. We mix and match players depending on your budget, the venue, the style, your audience, and your wishes. Meg, Vicki and John are a few of the musicians who are happy to play for you.
Discography
Gettin' my Bonus in Love [CD]; available on CD Baby or order directly from the band.
Cookin' with Calamity [CD]; available on CD Baby.
Individual musicians have produced solo recordings too; contact us for more information.
Meg Graf: Eatin' Time -- A Ragtime Feast [CD]; available on CD Baby; or order directly from Meg.
Curt Williams: Blue Stockings [cassette or CD]; contact Meg for purchase information.
Links
| http://www.calamityjazz.com |