Music
Press
Wow", is all I can say! [Calamity Jazz is] to be congratulated on a wonderful first venture, and a recording that is at the same time new, fresh and makes its' required bow to tradition.
Perhaps the freshness grows out of the bass sax, instead of tuba or string bass. Meg, [playing the bass saxophone] has a great voice on this recording. [She has] played beyond [herself], and I am more than impressed. In the great tradition of the great Italian bass sax player Notzo Profundo, [she has] actually made me enjoy listening to that instrument. That, by the way is a major accomplishment! Vicki [on trumpet, has] given a performance of brilliant technical merit and great jazz ideas.
I'm thrilled for Calamity Jazz and the results of [their] efforts. - Old Town Jazz Band, San Jacinto, CA
"Now, this is the REAL DEAL... you are instantly transported back to 1927 or thereabouts. Speakeasies, ice [delivery] wagons, Model T's, etc. The music is wonderful, very authentic in style, and VERY well played. I mean, these cats could FOLLOW the Dukes of Dixieland on stage with no embarassment!
The band is composed of Trumpet (Vicki, who is the leader), Trombone (Larry), Meg & Big George, Patti (female vocal), clar/alto sax (Rick), Banjo, Piano, Drums [played by Cork Larsen, Mark Hazzard and John Muellner, respectively].
Great tunes: Ostrich Walk, Ain't Misbehavin', The Bear Medley (10 minutes worth of music here!), and an absolutely wonderful Hard Hearted Hannah, sung by Patti.
Meg also shows off her stuff on the licorice stick on Petite Fleur …belts out a great bass line, and sings out on many great solos!
Patti... what a voice! And Vicki on trumpet... as good as any I have heard anywhere. All of these jazzy cats BLOW!
… if you guys do not pack your bags and come to the New Orleans Jazzfest, you are Wussies! You'd blow them all away!" - Columnist, Sax on the Web
This is "good time" jazz played by a group who obviously enjoy what they're doing. Cox, a fine trumpeter, also performs with the Lincoln Pops Band and the Oregon Jazz Band; Hazzard has played with the Abalone Stompers and the Black Swan Classic Jazz Band; Larsen was with the Barrelhouse Jazz Band in California before moving to Oregon. While the others may not have the same "credentials" they have a good understanding of the music that they create and an unbridled enthusiasm that shows in what they do.
[The Cookin' With Calamity CD] includes a couple of tunes you likely won't hear anywhere else. "Public Melody #1" was written in 1927, recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1937 and, as far as I know, hasn't been played again until now. "Blue Because of You," written in 1935 is another tune that is not on many playlists either. "The Bear Medley" is a Calamity Jazz original and includes everything from "Bare Necessities" to "Big Bear Stomp."
This is relaxed, happy music that Dixieland fans are sure to enjoy. - American Rag
The music for our wedding reception was exactly what we hoped for. We were overwhelmed by your musicianship and professionalism. Not only are you great musicians, but you are fun and entertaining, and... what a repertoire! We also really appreciate all your help during the planning stages. Your prompt replies to our e-mails and phone calls, your suggestions and advice, helped so much. Thank you! - Roseburg, OR
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.
Photos
Bio
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!
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