Biography
From Website (http://www.steamboatwillie.tv/)
It’s hot New Orleans Jazz! One can certainly hear the ghosts of Wild Bill Davison, the flavor of Louis Armstrong, and hints of Bix Beiderbecke in Steamboat’s horn playing. His vocals embody a brightness and clarity, evoking memories of Eddie Cantor, Al Jolsen, and Rudy Valley.
He has also often been compared favorably to Leon Redbone. Already playing coronet in church bands at age 8 years, Steamboat began developing his unmistakable style. “Playing fancy” is what he innocently called his budding improvisational style at that time. This style soon influenced other boys in the church bands, and they, in turn, began to play something similar. “We were constantly being reprimanded by our minister, ‘Now, boys, don’t be jazzing it up!,’ Steamboat laughs, “ I hadn’t even listened to my first jazz record at this time in my life. I was simply playing from the heart.”
His natural joy of entertaining and his sincere love of all people has earned him adoring fans from all over the world. The feeling is mutual. Some folks collect old recordings, others collect CD’s or rare jazz clips; Steamboat Willie collects people. His energy is contagious. Audiences tap their feet, clap along, sing and dance to his music. Don’t miss him. Be part of the good time.
Leader of a seven piece traditional jazz band consisting of Trumpet, Trombone, Clarinet, Piano, Tuba / Bass Sax / String Bass, Drums
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