EarRegulars
Sunday, August 7, 2016 · 8:00pm – 11:00pm
The EarRegulars feature leader Jon-Erik Kellso on trumpet and Matt Munisteri on guitar and feature guest artists every week. They play swinging, melodic classic jazz — everything from New Orleans style through the tin pan alley classics, the swing era, and mainstream jazz.
They don't play half hour long solos, although it's not unusual for a song to last 10 minutes or more; they like to take their time and enjoy exploring ensemble improv', a conversational style. They approach traditional jazz in an open-minded, in-the-moment way. This band often smiles and laughs (yes — even on stage!), and is not ashamed of this.
History
Jon played in Matt Munisteri's band called Brock Mumford at the Ear Inn for years, first Monday of the month, midnight to 3am.
After the Cajun closed in 2006, Matt suggested to Victor at the Ear that Kellso could start a weekly traditional jazz gig there with him, during more normal, earlier hours, and Victor convinced the owner to give it a try. They wanted to help fill the gap in the traditional jazz scene in NYC that had opened up.
Sundays were a slow night, so they were given that slot, 8–11pm. They started in June of 2007 as a trio, but soon business picked up quite a bit, and they were upgraded to a quartet.
Jon and Matt decided from the beginning that they'd be the only regular EarRegulars, and that they'd have various guest artists each week on bass, and usually another horn, such as a clarinet, sax, or trombone. One will find the swingingest players in NYC playing with them, as well as the best from all over the world guesting when in town.
It didn't take long to catch on, and now they pack 'em in — so it's best to get here early to claim a good spot near the band.
Press
The band has been blessed with some great press:
- Featured in a Will Friedwald article in the Wall Street Journal
- Nate Chinen included The EarRegulars in his JazzTimes article about the 10 most memorable performances of 2010
- Nate Chinen also featured the EarRegulars in a New York Times article
- Michael Steinman has written numerous blog posts about them at Jazz Lives
326 Spring Street, Lower Manhattan, NY 10013 · 212-226-9060