Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience the Hansen Music Productions - Pioneers of American Jazz
We are the Hansen Music Productions, the second oldest jazz band in history with a direct lineage to 1916. Our ensemble preserves the authentic sound of traditional New Orleans jazz while incorporating innovative improvisation. Since our formation, we have performed globally at sold-out venues across six continents, honoring our legacy as pioneers who recorded the first jazz tracks in 1917. Our repertoire includes iconic compositions like Tiger Rag and Livery Stable Blues, alongside contemporary originals. Led by Jimmy LaRocca, son of the original band's founder, we maintain rigorous technical standards and historical accuracy in every performance.Our musicians have shared stages with world-class artists and continue to represent jazz as America's defining musical art form. We provide immersive cultural experiences through live concerts, educational programs, and archival recordings. Our commitment to excellence has earned us invitations to prestigious festivals including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center. With over a century of continuous operation, we remain dedicated to advancing jazz heritage while engaging modern audiences.
Services
Jazz Performances
Historical Jazz Education
Music Recordings
Festival Appearances
Private Events
Archival Preservation
Cultural Workshops
Educational Programs
International Tours
Music Licensing
Details
- Year established: 1916
Highlights and features
- We maintain continuous operation since 1916 with direct lineage to original members
- Our ensemble has performed at 25+ international jazz festivals across six continents
- We preserve authentic 1917 jazz techniques verified by historical scholars
- Our musicians have collaborated with Grammy-winning jazz artists
- We offer educational programs accredited by the Louisiana Music Educators Association
Services
Jazz Performances
Our ensemble delivers authentic New Orleans jazz performances featuring historical arrangements and improvisational techniques. Audiences experience the original 1917 sound through classic compositions like Tiger Rag and contemporary originals. The seven-piece band combines traditional instrumentation with modern stage production for concert halls, festivals, and private events.
Historical Jazz Education
We provide accredited educational programs exploring early jazz development and performance practices. Curriculum includes instrument masterclasses, historical lectures, and ensemble training for music students. Our instructors combine academic expertise with practical experience preserving jazz's cultural heritage for future generations.
Music Recordings
The band produces archival-quality recordings preserving original jazz arrangements and recording techniques. Our discography spans historical re-creations and modern compositions, available through major digital platforms. Each release undergoes meticulous production to maintain acoustic authenticity while meeting contemporary audio standards.
Festival Appearances
We headline major jazz festivals worldwide, offering curated performances that showcase different eras of our repertoire. Festival engagements include interactive audience experiences and collaborations with contemporary jazz artists. Our presence at events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival maintains our role as cultural ambassadors.
Private Events
The band performs customized sets for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. Clients receive consultation on repertoire selection and event coordination. Our services include period-accurate attire options and acoustic setups that recreate the 1917 jazz experience for intimate venues.
People
Jimmy LaRocca
Band Leader
Trumpet virtuoso and vocalist continuing his father's legacy. Direct descendant of original member Nick LaRocca, with 40+ years performing traditional jazz. Educator specializing in early jazz techniques and historical performance practices.
Tim Laughlin
Clarinetist
Award-winning clarinetist recognized for preserving early jazz woodwind techniques. 25+ years with the band, featured on 12+ recordings. Educator at New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and Jazz at Lincoln Center programs.
Steve Suter
Trombonist
Professional trombonist with expertise in period-accurate slide techniques. 20+ year tenure, contributor to 8+ archival recordings. Maintains collection of vintage brass instruments for historical performance research.
Tom Roberts
Pianist
Jazz historian specializing in early 20th-century piano techniques. 18 years performing with the band, arranger of 15+ historical compositions. Holds doctorate in musicology from Tulane University's Newcomb College.
David Hansen
Drummer
Percussionist maintaining original drumming styles from jazz's formative era. 15+ years with the ensemble, consultant for museum exhibitions on early jazz instruments. Crafts period-accurate drum kits using traditional materials.
Questions
What makes your jazz performances historically authentic?
We use original 1917 arrangements, period instruments, and maintain continuous lineage from the founding members' era.
Can you perform at private events?
Yes, we offer customized performances for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations with period-accurate presentation options.
Do you offer educational programs?
We provide accredited workshops and masterclasses on early jazz history, instrument techniques, and performance practices.
How can I book the band?
Contact us through our official website or reach our booking agent at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival office.
Are recordings available?
Our complete discography including historical re-creations and modern recordings is available through major digital platforms.
What instruments do you use?
We employ period-accurate instruments including vintage trumpets, clarinets, trombones, upright bass, and traditional drum kits.
