Naughty Professor Expects to See You in Jazz Class!

One of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets is no longer a secret: the good news is out. Naughty Professor is one of the finest jazz sextets ANYWHERE, and you should do yourself two favors. [1] Go see them live. [2] Pick up both of their outstanding albums. You will NOT be disappointed.

My first encounter with this amazing band happened a year and a half ago. At the time, I wrote:

Months ago, Serotonic’s guitar player, Jordan Garno, put a bug in my ear. “Naughty Professor,” he near-whispered. “Incredible New Orleans band.” And he just nodded.

Last night, I was nodding, too. As was Jordan. And everybody else in the intimate Dunedin Brewery. I have seen the future. And the past.

Let’s suppose you wanted to build a funky jazz band. Or a jazzy funk band. How would you go about it? Here is an architect’s rendering:

You need a strong foundation. Start with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, with that three-horn frontline. Add a floor of Chicago Transit Authority and Blood, Sweat and Tears. Next floor: James Brown’s Famous Flames and P-Funk. Going up: Herbie Hancock’s Mwandishi band and Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House with the Brecker Brothers and David Sanborn. You’re getting the picture.

Assorted Marsalis collaboratives. Dirty Dozen, Rebirth and Soul Rebels Brass Bands. Galactic, Karl Denson and Lettuce. And Snarky Puppy in the penthouse.

Naughty Professor is: Bill Daniel – Guitar :: Noah Young – Bass :: Sam Shahin – Drums :: Nick Ellman – Alto & Baritone Saxophone :: Ian Bowman – Tenor Saxophone :: John Culbreth – Trumpet

MusicFestNews ran a feature on the band which you can read here and a concert review here.

Naughty Professor is brilliant. Period. The end.

Read more on the band’s official website.

NAUGHTY PROFESSOR TOUR

2/06: New Orleans – Howling Wolf

2/08: New Orleans – The Maison

2/17: St. Augustine, FL – Planet Sarbez

2/18: Deland, FL – Cafe Davinci

2/19: New Smyrna – Beachside Tavern

2/20: Orlando, FL – Universal Studios

2/20: Ocala, FL – Pi on Broadway

2/23: Jacksonville, FL – 1904 Music Hall

2/24: Orlando, FL – Red Lion Pub

2/25: Key West, FL – Green Parrot

2/26: Boca Raton, FL – Funky Buddha

2/27: Dunedin, FL – Dunedin Brewery

3/02: New Orleans – Lafayette Square

3/24: Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird

4/15: Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5 w/ Kung Fu

4/16: Savannah, GA – Congress St. Social Club