Artist description The Eric Ekstrand Ensemble is a 10 piece outfit doing its own brand of contemporary swing, jump, boogie-woogie. The band is comprised of six horns; two trumpets, a trombone and three saxes; alto, tenor and baritone, guitar, string bass, drums and piano. Eric Ekstrand, the leader, plays piano, sings and fronts the band and writes most of the arrangements and songs. The original songs retain an authentic swing, jump flavor and the band is committed to makingmusic that is always fun. The members of the Ensembleare some of L.A.'s top swing, jazz, bluesand R&B musicians with a long list of impressivecredits.

Music Style Swing, Jump

Musical Influences Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Count Basie, Louis Prima

Similar Artists Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Count Basie, Louis Prima

Artist History Eric Ekstrand started the Ensemble in 1992. Thefirst couple of years were spent playing sit-downjazz and showcase clubs. The swing dance scenehad not yet started. In 1994 they began playingthe world famous "Derby" nightclub in Hollywood.They have also played the Jazz Bakery, the Moonlight, the Hollywood Athletic Club and are in regularrotation at the new Coconut Club at the Beverly Hilton. "Spiked Heel Stomp" is their firstCD and was produced my Motown legend Don Peake.

Group Members Eric Ekstrand; leader, piano, vocalBill Baker; alto sax, clarinet, fluteDean Roubicek; tenor sax, clarinetBill Wright; baritone sax, clarinet, fluteLee Thornberg; trumpet, flugelhornJeff Kaye; trumpet, flugelhornKen Tussing; tromboneMike Greenfield; guitarSimeon Pillich; bassFrank Wilson; drums

Instruments Alto, tenor and baritone saxes, two trumpets, trombone, guitar, bass, drums and piano/vocal.

Albums "Spiked Heel Stomp", (Roller Coasters)

Press Reviews "A foot stomping and hip shaking good time." Campus Circle"Ekstrand's compositions...have captured the essenceof enjoyable jump blues and swing....Recommended." L.A. Jazz Scene"This is a fun group, who are having a great time.You will too." L.A. Jazz Scene

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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