Josh Taylor

Hesse’s Hot Jazz ranges from a trio to a quintet and features Chris Heslop on sax, Josh Taylor on banjo, and Ken Kemmerer playing tuba.

Equally at home on the back deck or in the concert hall, Hesse’s Hot Jazz perpetuates the early jazz traditions.

Strong melodies coupled with complex rhythms and the freedom of improvisation combine to create an infectious jubilance, appealing to young and old.

Their repertoire includes many New Orleans favorites, but also a healthy sampling of early French jazz, some Cuban tunes, horas, polkas, and parade music.

Hesse’s repertoire pays special tribute to Sidney Bechet, the virtuoso of the clarinet and soprano saxophone. Having grown up in New Orleans, then spending much of his life in Paris, Bechet’s music has a unique and compelling sound.

Available for festivals, concerts, and educational events…go here to book an event >>

The Hot Club of Reading consists of Josh Taylor on guitar, Chris Heslop on sax, Ken Gehret playing violin, accordion, and guitar, Trey LaRue on bass, and Josiah Taylor on guitar. The group focuses on early hot jazz stylings made popular by Django Reinhardt, Louis Armstrong, and Sidney Bechet. Each member is featured as a soloist and the music is swing-based.

Visit the Hot Club of Reading website. 

Djangoholics Anonymous consists of Josh Taylor and Michael Nikolidakis on guitar, Bill Nixon on violin, Chris Heslop playing saxophone, and Dave Turanski on bass. This group primarily plays songs written and recorded by the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli.