JAMES SINGLETON “Malabar” RECORD RELEASE SHOW

New Orleans is a city steeped in tradition, but a big part of this culture is constant evolution via improvisation and innovation. That may be why James Singleton is one of the busiest bassists in town. He’s been a mainstay of the scene for over four decades by playing a myriad of styles with numerous music legends such as Chet Baker, Charlie Rich, Ellis Marsalis Jr, James Booker, Stanton Moore, John Scofield and John Medeski, just to name a few. Beyond a standard sideman, Singleton is an accomplished composer and improviser that continues to hone in on his sound by experimentation.

Singleton is perhaps best known as a founding member of the seminal New Orleans modern jazz group Astral Project, as well as more recent experimental outfit Nolatet with vibraphonist Mike Dillon, pianist Brian Haas and Astral Project drummer Johnny Vidacovich.

As a composer, bassist, band leader, and multi-instrumentalist Singleton presents true modern experimental jazz which draws from both rock and orchestral roots. His band is a real powerhouse of improvisers and each a respected player in their own right. James has played behind many major artists over the last 35 years including a 32 year run with the all-star modern jazz band Astral Project.

It is for all these reasons that Malabar, Singleton’s new full-length recording as a band leader, is something of a miracle.

Malabar marks the first time on vinyl for Singleton’s compositions, and was executed by a stellar and versatile New Orleans sextet for local Sinking City Records imprint, which offers the vinyl cut at most of your record stores starting April 15th, and the digital version on Bandcamp.com.

The music on Malabar will likely call to mind Dave Holland’s Conference of the Birds, Charles Mingus’ Black Saint and the Sinner Lady or Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra. But Malabar is no throwback to 1963 or 1973. Singleton’s vision is firmly cast, forward and up. And the work here has as much to do with the aforementioned Chicago experimentalists and some of their cohorts like Luke Stewart, Ken Vandermark, and Rob Mazurek. Malabar is another chapter, a new chapter in James Singleton’s evolving songbook, and one that will be remembered as such for years to come.

James Singleton – bass, trumpet and effects

Justin Peake – drums and electronics

Rex Gregory – clarinet, flute, saxophone

Brad Walker – saxophones

Jonathan Freilich – guitar

Shows at 8pm & 10pm.

Doors at 7:00pm & 9:30pm.

Restaurant is Open 6pm – 10pm for dinner before or after your showtime.

Advance Ticket-Holders can also make table reservations for dinner by Emailing info@snugjazz.com or calling the club at 504-949-0696 between 2pm – 8pm, Thurs-Sun, after your tickets have been purchased online. All dinner table reservations must be attached to advance concert tickets. Dinner Service without Advance Concert Tickets is first-come, first-served based on availability upon arrival. Full Bar is Open 6pm – Midnight for all on show nights, with or without tickets.

Kind Reminder:  Snug Harbor does not serve food inside the Music Room. Only cocktails and soft drinks are available for table service inside the Music Room, in order to preserve the integrity, quiet and focus of our world class intimate concerts. However, we encourage you to arrive 90 Minutes prior to your showtime in order to enjoy full, relaxing dinner service in the Dining Room right next door, before getting seated in the Music Room for the show. 8pm ticket holders can also enjoy dinner, dessert or appetizers after the show, with Dining Room seating only guaranteed by submitting your table request before 8pm.

All performances are currently sold at 2/3 the normal audience capacity in order to maintain a certain level of social distancing, creating an even more intimate listening experience. Covid mandates are honored with *masks now optional* for all, and seating more distanced than our usual. As announced by the City of New Orleans, as of March 24th, Snug Harbor is no longer requiring valid proof of Covid vaccination or negative test for entry. 

However, with our limited seating capacity, advance tickets are strongly suggested!