So what do we mean by New-Trad ?

New = 1) Lately discovered. 2) Beginning or recurring afresh. 3) Changed in essence or constitution. 4) Different from that heretofore known. 5) Up to date. Trad = Musicians' slang term for the early New Orleans jazz music of Buddy Bolden, Joseph "King" Oliver, Louis Armstrong, Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton, and others. Our Mission and History The New-Trad projects are modern musical vehicles for the roots of American music. Combining instruments and elements of traditional New Orleans brass bands with those of modern jazz groups, these ensembles explore the early sources of our nation's musical heritage (church music, band music, and folk musics such as blues, etc.) and combine these influences in ways that speak to and excite modern audiences. Formed in 1994, Jeff Newell's New-Trad Octet has performed in clubs, theaters, festivals, and churches, thrilling audiences from the Atlantic to the Rockies. Jeff Newell has always had a keen interest in how cultures and history combine to create musical traditions. While engaging in his musical career over the past 23 years (being fortunate to work with many well-known artists of various musical idioms), Newell has continued to study the foundations of American music and incorporate these elements into his unique ensembles and arrangements. Mr. Newell has been featured in an article in Downbeat magazine, has received an NEA study fellowship, and has a quartet CD release on IGMOD Records. To Contact Us Back to Home Page