New Orleans North!

New Orleans North - The Band

"New Orleans North! Professional, polished and perfect - the humour and brilliant notes of Lloyd Arntzen, Alan Matheson, and the rest of the band, and of course, the fabulous fingers of Grant Simpson, the piano man himself."

Pat Bragg, Presenter “New Orleans of the North”

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New Orleans North is a traditional - hard-swinging band, infused with the spirit and enthusiasm of the hottest jazz bands of the 20s and 30s.

Stride pianest Grant Simpson leads the band, creating musical arrangements that combine traditional stylings with a fresh approach. The result is one of the most unique and energetic sounds on the Canadian jazz front today.

The New Orleans North encompasses a wealth of experience, energy and talent. From hot Stride to cool blues and driving swing, they are equally at home performing at dance events, music festivals or on the concert stage. Recent engagements include CBC Television’s 50th Anniversary Special, Featured on CBC "Disc Drive", The North Island Hot Jazz Festival, Alsek Music Festival, New Orleans North and the Frostbite Music Festival.

"Don't even think about seeing this wonderful band unless you are ready to smile, laugh and enjoy an evening of foot tapping joy!"

Steve Gedrose, Owner, Rose Music

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lloyd arntzen

Lloyd draws upon years of experience in New Orleans jazz, musical theatre, radio broadcasting and concert performances. He founded the “Jazz Band Society” which became the catalyst for Vancouver’s “Hot Jazz Society” in the early 1970s. He has appeared in traditional jazz festivals in Vancouver, Victoria, Sun Valley, Sacramento and the San Juan Islands and also produced and scripted a CBC Radio tribute to Jelly Roll Morton. Lloyd has shared the stage with Bob Wilber, Pete Fountain, Jim Byrnes and Clark Terry.

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alan matheson

Alan Matheson is trumpeter, pianist, composer and arranger. He is the leader of his own big band, nonet, septet and trio and has played with a wide variety of groups including the Vancouver Symphony, the Vancouver Opera, and the CBC Vancouver Orchestra. Alan is also the director of the Festival Vancouver Jazz Orchestra which performed in a “Tribute to Louis Armstrong” with guest soloist Clark Terry at the 2000 Festival Vancouver. This year, they will host saxophone giant Phil Woods. Alan’s groups have been featured on a number of CBC Radio programs including “Hot Air”, “West Coast Performance”, and “Jazz Beat” and have been regulars at the Du Maurier Vancouver International Jazz Festival. He has performed with Clark Terry, Mel Torme, Cleo Laine, Louis Bellson, and Phil Woods and has appeared at the Montreal, Paris and Tallinn (Estonia) jazz festivals. In October 2000, Alan was a guest soloist with the “Helsinki City-Jazz Orchestra” on a tour of Sweden and Finland. As well, he has performed in the Arts Club Theatre productions of “My Fair Lady”, “Sweeney Todd” and “Swing”and is an instructor in trumpet and jazz piano at Vancouver Community College, Capilano College, and the University of British Columbia.
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grant simpson

Grant Simpson has been a professional musician since the age of 18. After entering the Jazz Studies Program at Malaspina College, he began making his living playing jazz piano in a wide variety of settings from roadside saloons to five-star hotels. His energy went into the study of the earliest of all jazz styles, Stride Piano. His focus on stride lead him to meet and befriend the late-great Dick Wellstood and Ralph Sutton who had a profound influence on his direction, dedication and style. Grant has played gigs across Canada, United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Grand Cayman Island and Korea. He is also the owner and musical director of the world famous Frantic Follies Vaudeville Revue.