Jeff Newell's New-Trad Octet combines the instruments and elements of a traditional New Orleans brass band with those of a modern jazz group. This ensemble explores the early sources of our nation's musical heritage(church music, band music, blues, etc.) and combines such influences in ways that speak to and excite modern audiences. Personnel: Jeff Newell - Saxophone, David Smith - Trumpet, Isrea Butler - Trombone, Dan Peck - Tuba, Dave Phelps - Guitar, Janice Friedman - Piano, Tom Hubbard - Bass, Brian Woodruff - Drums
Jeff Newell's New-Trad Octet playing the 1st movement of "Hymn Pan Alley," based on hymns by 19th-Century Fort Greene, Brooklyn, composers. Photos by Ned Lochaya from their concert at Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church
The Lambs March
Jeff Newell's New-Trad Octet presenting "On the Stump," a program of Presidential Campaign songs, political issue songs and patriotic music at Hofstra University, the site of the historic debate between Barack Obama and John McCain.
“Brownstone” celebrates the brass band tradition of that bygone era when hymns and marches were the popular music of the day—played on parade grounds, in churches, & gazebos across the US. The Octet takes a reverent yet contemporary look at our musical heritage, when ragtime and other styles sowed the seeds of syncopation that blossomed into jazz.