Jazz Articles about Nolatet

About Nolatet

Album Review

Nolatet: Somethin' To Relax With

Read "Somethin' To Relax With" reviewed by Glenn Astarita

by Glenn Astarita
May 21, 2026

Nolatet unites four veteran voices from the New Orleans jazz scene. Bassist James Singleton and drummer Johnny Vidacovich have formed one of the city's most durable and inventive rhythm sections since the late 1970s, anchoring Astral Project and backing everyone from Professor Longhair to Dizzy Gillespie. Vibraphonist Mike Dillon brings his trademark guerrilla energy and percussive mischief from Garage a Trois, while pianist Brian Haas--a longtime architect of Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey--contributes rangy, classically informed harmonies and fearless improvisation. The ...

Radio & Podcasts

Pat Metheny, Mitch Dalton, Audrey Ochoa, Ben Wolfe & Nolatet

by Joe Dimino
May 17, 2026

Kicking off the 958th Episode of Neon Jazz is the adventurous New Orleans-based ensemble Nolatet, featuring bassist James Singleton, drummer Johnny Vidacovich, vibraphonist/percussionist Mike Dillon, and pianist Brian Haas, with the title track from their hypnotic 2026 release Somethin' to Relax With. From there, we journey through a rich landscape of jazz brilliance with legendary voices and innovators like Terry Waldo, Pete Mills, Ben Wolfe, and the iconic Pat Metheny. Along the way, we spotlight inspired artistry from Audrey Ochoa, ...

Album Review

Nolatet: No Revenge Necessary

Read "No Revenge Necessary" reviewed by Doug Collette

by Doug Collette
May 16, 2018

The music of Nolatet's sophomore album No Revenge Necessary belies its laissez faire title. Almost a mirror image of its largely insinuating predecessor, Dogs (Royal Potato Family, 2016), this sophomore effort finds the Crescent city-based ensemble flexing its collective muscles early and often, so the record lends itself to uninhibited dance almost as often as contemplation of its intricate musicianship. But it's a circuitous route the band takes to the comparatively upbeat likes of “Pecos Wilderness." Prior to ...

Album Review

Nolatet: Dogs

by Doug Collette
February 28, 2016

The wit in the name of Nolatet finds a direct reflection in the music they make. Yet together as a four piece unit, keyboardist Brian Haas (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey), vibraphonist Mike Dillon (Critters Buggin,' Garage A Trois), bassist James Singleton (John Scofield, John Medeski) and drummer Johnny Vidacovich (Charlie Hunter, Robert Walter), create a seamless sound that transcends comparisons to their previous work. No question Dogs is steeped, and deeply so, within the grand tradition of New Orleans, but ...