New Reformation Jazz Band

Classic Jazz. Hot Jazz. Blues. Big Band. Swing.

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The NRB compares its tunes with those of other classic jazz masters

November 30, 2020 by Pat Murphy 1 Comment

So, we are in our fiftieth year. Yahoo! We now qualify as old timers.

We had a full slate of appearances planned to celebrate. Whoopie!

Hmmm. not so fast, the world tells us. Time to hunker down, socially distance yourself and wear a mask for the good of all of us. Yes, definitely. We will gladly do these things for the good of all.

Thus far, except for a terrific performance for ‘Jazz in the Garden’ at the Andersen Enrichment Center in Saginaw, Michigan, USA, we’ve been not so quietly fidgeting — from an appropriately social distance, of course — and itching to get back on tour.

In the meantime, we decided to cement our legacy by comparing our arrangements of the tuneswith those of other jazz masters. How is that for confidence?

The results of our research are at www.newref.com/legacy. We believe you will enjoy these tracks by us and other historic classic jazz masters as much as we did.

Some examples:

“I’m Coming, Virginia” as we play it compared with Benny Goodman’s rendition (go to Episode Seven at www.newref.com/legacy)

“Our version of “Buddy Boldon’s Blues” versus one by Jelly Roll Morton (Listen to Episode Twelve at www.newref.com/legacy)

There are fourteen comparisons thus far. Many — okay, some—  of our fans tell us we are incomparable. And we appreciate their comments and support over this half a century. Listen here and hear for yourself if the compliment is deserved.

www.newref.com/legacy 

 

 

Filed Under: Jazz, Spirituals Tagged With: Benny Goodman, Blues, Buddy Bolden, Classic Jazz, Dixieland jazz, hot jazz, Jazz, Jelly Roll Morton, Jesus Christ Superstar, New Reformation Band, NRB, Swing bands, Trad Jazz

NRB is 50! Holey Moley!

January 1, 2020 by David Oppermann Leave a Comment

Important Announcement.

(Cue the fanfare, please.)

2020 won’t be like anything you’ve enjoyed with NRB in the past 50 Years!

NRB's Cast of Characters in B & W Band photos. We’ve got millions, and we want to share.

Understand what you’re getting yourself into in 2020.

The New Reformation Band (NRB) jazz repertoire encompasses Dixieland, ragtime, blues, big band, and swing… the hot music that lifts spirits. It delivers beautiful harmonics reinforced by a beat that sets toes tapping. It’s true. It’s been unscientifically proven. (We watch the crowds at each live gig. As we play, toes are bouncing all over the place.)

NRB was formed in 1970 during a cold Michigan winter. Seven musicians gathered in the sanctuary of the First Congregational Church in Saginaw in a shocking yet highly successful effort to enhance the service with jazz. All of the musicians had played “jazz” before, just not in church, and not with each other. With the exception of the Brothers Oppermann — on piano and banjo — most were shaking hands for the first time.

This was not to be a daunting task. The tunes selected were from the hymnal, and so recognizable even those slackers who rarely attended a service knew them.

The chief instigator was the church’s youth minister, Pastor Gary Miller. During his Saturday night vigils in this industrial community, the “Rev” would visit the bars… especially those with music… with the admirable goal of offering counsel and support to “lost souls.” But he always had his trumpet under his arm in case there was a chance to sit in.

50 years later the NRB is still having a great time performing, and people keep calling to schedule gigs. 2020 is our 50th year. This site is becoming the home of our history.

Filed Under: Album, Jazz, Spirituals Tagged With: Banjo, Dixieland Jaxx, Jazz, Jazz in the Garden, New Reformation Jazz Band, spirituals, Trad Jazz, Trombone, Trumpet

“Dave, Thank you So much.

July 19, 2019 by David Oppermann 1 Comment

“Dave, Thank you so much. The NRB concert at Andersen Enrichment Center in Saginaw was superb, as usual. And thank you for the CD. It completes my NRB ‘collection.’ Watching you folks on stage having as much fun playing as we have listening reminds us why yours is the ‘Happiest Music on Earth!’ — Tris

https://youtu.be/B3lM4KV2OQw

Folks, yes, we’re bragging a bit posting this. But when people come up after our to have us autograph a CD, we hear comments such as this often. Since 1970, we assure you they still put a bounce in our step.

CAST OF ALL-STARS AT ANDERSEN

Trumpet, Dave Tatrow, Otisville

Trombone, Terry Kimura, Howell MI

Clarinet, Dave Bennett, Waterford

Tuba, Paul Keen, Rockford

Banjo/Guitar, Dave Kadwell, Grand Rapids

Drums, Rick Bryant

Piano, Dave Oppermann, Saginaw

If you were there but didn’t have enough room in your trunk for all of our CDs and DVDs, you can still acquire them. Feel free to order online HERE, and we’ll ship them right out. (note: we offer a flat fee of $3 for shipping, no matter how many your order at one time.) Only at NRB.

Filed Under: Album, Jazz, Spirituals Tagged With: Andersen Enrichment Center, Banjo, Clarinet, Classic Jazz, Dave Bennett, Dave Kadwell, Dave Oppermann, Dave Tatrow, Dixieland, Drums, entertainment, Flushing, Free concert, frivolity, fun, Grand Rapids, Guitar, Happiest Music on Earth, humor, John Hill IV, Keith DeWitt, music, New Reformation Band, New Reformation Jazz Band, NRB, Otisville, Patter, Paul Keen, Piano, Pure Michigan, Rockford, Saginaw, Swartz Creek, Trad Jazz, Trombone, Trumpet, tuba, vocals, Waterford

“Million Seller” “That Old Time Religion” “Live at the Nugget” The NRB at its Most Reverent, Relevant, and Irreverent.

December 14, 2017 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Available now.

Download entire CDs.

Order tracks.

Order an actual CD (Actually).

The choices are numerous for each of these NRB offerings

(Click on your preference below)

The classic jazz that made the NRB famous

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An uplifting spiritual journey of music and vocals, featuring Claudia Schmidt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featuring the infamous Lithuanian set.

Irreverence at its most irreverent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Filed Under: Album, Jazz, Spirituals Tagged With: Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Banjo, Celebrity Showroom, Classic Jazz, Dave Tatrow, Dixieland, entertaining, gospel, Guitar, Happiest Music on Earth, hot jazz, humor, Jesus Christ Superstar, Keith DeWitt, Lithuanian, Live, New Reformation Band, Nugget Casino Resort, O’Keeffe, Pure Michigan, religious, Reno Nevada, reverence, Roadrunner, satire, spirituals, studio, Trad Jazz, Trombone, Trumpet, vocals

Classic Jazz by the NRB, People!

December 24, 2016 by Pat Murphy Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 2017, Banjo, Celebrate, celebration, Christmas, Classic Jazz, Dave Miller, Dave Oppermann, Dixieland, Energize, entertainment, Hanukkah, Happiest Music on Earth, Happy, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, holiday, humor, Inspiration, Keith DeWitt, Kwanzaa, Merry Christmas, New Reformation Band, NRB, rag time, Sentimental, Trad Jazz, Trombone, Trumpet

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