With jubilant vigor that spills from the stage to the streets,
FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND revitalizes the energy of the roots of Jazz. In
paying homage to the pioneers of early 20th Century Jazz, including that of
Dixieland and New Orleans, the Firecracker Jazz Band carries the torch that
was once lit by such greats as Jelly Roll Morton, Louis Armstrong & Bix
Beiderbeck.
MEMBERS:
JE WIDENHOUSE (trumpet and cornet) has been traveling the world and
playing professionally for 15 years. Previous projects include Squirrel Nut
Zippers, Sex Police, and Hobex. This ensemble is especially rewarding and
challenging, and Je has endeavored to accept Jazz as his personal savior.
EARL SACHAIS (trombone) is a former music instructor and New York City
hired gun for the performing ensembles such as Warren Covington and the
Tommy Dorsey Band. He has backed Barbara Streisand, Sammy Davis Jr, and
many others. Earl has a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music Degree from the
Manhattan School of Music.
REESE GRAY (piano, banjo, ukulele and saw) is an amazing stride pianist in the
style of Fats Waller. He embodies the early American jazz scene, dressing the
part and with raw enthusiasm for the music that keeps it fresh. Former
projects include Squirrel Nut Zippers and Asylum Street Spankers.
JON CORBIN (guitar) adds a steady swing to the rhythm section on guitar and
tenor banjo. He patterns his playing style with the Firecrackers after Eddie
Lang and Django Rienhardt, the pre-eminent guitarists of the early jazz era.
Former projects include The Rib Tips and the Eliza Lynn Band.
MICHAEL GRAY (drums) drives the rhythm with an energy and expressiveness
rarely demonstrated in traditional jazz. A native of Baltimore, and the younger
brother of pianist Reese Gray, Mike’s musical influences include Baby Dodds,
Papa Joe Jones, and Buddy Rich.
HENRY WESTMORELAND (tuba) incorporates a funk, zydeco, and boogiewoogie
rock & roll influence to the heavy hitting rhythm section. Henry
is a graduate from Brevard College with a degree in Music Theory/
Composition and a degree in Music Performance. He also plays baritone
saxophone with the popular band The Squirrel Nut Zippers.
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Notable Performances by the FIRECRACKER JAZZ BAND include Bonnaroo,
Highline Ballroom in NYC, Sacramento Jazz Fest, Seaside Dixie Jazz Fest
in Oregon, Mr. Smalls in Pittsburg, Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, The
Birchmere in Alexandria, VA & Stuart’s Opera House in Nelsonville, OH.
