Because we love it.

We have a responsibility to keep jazz alive. We are passionate about America’s only true original art form, and the interaction it facilitates between musicians, and performers and audience. Music-goers agree that the spontaneity and creativity of a live jazz performance is exciting, fresh, and ever changing.
Many of us hold Music degrees, in Performance, Jazz, Classical, and so forth.  I cannot tell you how many times musician friends and I have been asked to “donate our time” or “play a free gig.” Honestly, it’s a smack in the face. How often are lawyers and doctors asked for a free appointment? Never. We have student loans to pay off for the degrees we hold as well, we just make substantially less money in the process.  This all seems completely backward. There is a common misconception that musicians do what we do “for fun.” Don’t get me wrong, we love what we do, but we do it for a living! Most of us are asked quite often what our day jobs are. What if our day jobs are being professional performing artists? Rehearsing, composing, performing. This is what we do. I know it is increasingly difficult to believe that this is possible, especially in America, but there are those of us who are unwilling to give up on the music.

My advice?  Musicians, channel your hardships into your music. The musician’s struggle is what has made jazz great throughout its history. In the midst of this long economic recession, times for performing artists are more difficult than ever. So, we compose. It’s much better than the alternative, to DEcompose. Ha. No, but seriously, some amazing music will result.  And Twin Cities jazz musicians, go out and hear one another play! I am speaking to myself just as much as everyone else. It is surprising how few jazz musicians actually go out and hear each other’s music. I am sure one major reason for this is we are all fighting tooth and nail for the same low paying gigs, and there is an underlying resentment when someone lands one. No one can blame us. But getting back to what it’s all about, the MUSIC, and attending shows is a step in the right direction. Musical friendships are possible! It doesn’t have to be only competitive. Support is partly what’s lacking right now,  from multiple directions, and attending one another’s shows is a step in the right direction. The added bonus is that live performances are exciting and inspiring! It’s how everyone in NYC used to learn back in the day, attending live shows, and jamming afterward. It is a part of the jazz culture that must be preserved, and this power is in the musicians’ hands.

“Jazz Central” is a great place to check out if you haven’t yet.  Jazz Central was created by musicians, FOR musicians. Monday nights they host a guest artist followed by a jam session, and occasionally Tuesday nights there is a featured modern jazz group.  This concept, presented by owners, Mac Santiago, and Tanner Taylor, has been quite successful. It is fueled by donations to compensate the performers, and keep Jazz Central afloat. There is a suggested donation hovers around $5 for attendees, but it’s never required.  The ambiance is like a 70s low light lounge, with a speakeasy feel, as there’s no signage and it’s a bit of a maze getting down there. It would be sacrilege for me to reveal to you where this venue is, so you’ll just have to ask around. A community fridge facilitates the giving and taking of beverages. I’ve enjoyed all of my experiences at Jazz Central, have been inspired by the performances, and have loved partaking in a legitimate jam session, something I think the cities has been lacking for a long time.

Coincidentally, after having mulled this over writing this blog today, I had the honor of attending a forum at the Landmark in St. Paul, hosted by Chamber Music America’s Chief Executive Officer, Margaret M. Lioi, accompanied by Richard Kessler, a dean at The New School. Their purpose in holding forums specifically for jazz musicians/composers is to open up honest conversation surrounding issues jazz artists are experiencing, and what changes can be made to help.  So far, Lioi and Kessler have been to Seattle, Chicago, New York, Detroit, and now, St. Paul. Great conversations ensued with the overarching theme of what has changed specifically since 2008. We covered topics such as venues and venue closures, wages, insurance or lack thereof, unions, supplementary incomes, accrediting official jazz venues, what universities and conservatories should be including in their curriculum to yield more prepared professional artists, and so on. Incredible ideas percolated to the surface, and an hour and a half flew by. I hope this is just the starting point for jazz musicians to feel comfortable opening up this conversation nationally and globally, to acknowledge there is a problem, and come together to improve the jazz world. With so many venues folding, gigs paying nothing, or next to it, and spirits low, we will benefit from partaking in this conversation. I left this forum feeling revitalized, and I realized why. Someone is asking what can be done to improve the professional jazz musician’s experience, which means someone is listening, and someone cares. I thank you, Margaret and Richard, for shedding light on these important issues. Your work is important, and incredibly meaningful. Perhaps now is the time to ride this momentum to a more hopeful jazz future. Count me in!

More after the jump!I have come to the realization that much of the Jana Nyberg Group sound comes from the one and only Evan Montgomery- an original member, he’s been with us since the beginning- 6 years ago, when we all came together at Lawrence Music Conservatory, Appleton, WI. When we started out, we were “The Jana Nyberg Trio,”  and Evan played the difficult role of guitar/bass to support the trumpet and vocals sans-full rhythm section. This really built up Montgomery’s chops, and now he can do ANYTHING. His harmonic instincts are so incredible and innovative, the music becomes tastier by the minute. Also, he’s just a dandy guy to have around.

The Jana Nyberg Trio

Our arrangements naturally evolved from 3 summers of playing 4-5 hits a week in the touristy wonderland of Door County, WI. When you play together that much, AND rehearse, things happen! Adam Meckler, trumpet, is also an original JNG member, and another prime staple of our sound. He fits the sweet sounds of his trumpet into any genre, be it jazz, pop, or a hard rock/blues. The new album, “Fever,” highlights Meckler’s versatility fabulously. He plays many roles in the group- trumpet, flugel horn, aux. percussion, background/sometimes lead vocals…and my husband. He’s pretty cool.

We’ve had a number of drummers based on location and availability, but MAN have we been spoiled with them! When the trio decided to expand, Jake Nyberg, my one and only brother, came on the scene for the summer Door County gigs. He added some serious spice to our repertoire, and played on our first album as well. Jake has this gift of playing in any style and making it sound natural, creative, and complimentary to the bigger picture. He is the reason that we brought Bonnie Raitt’s classic, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” into the picture with our newest album, “Fever.” Nyberg devised a chill drum-and-bass beat as a static bed, creating a sound uniquely our own. He guests on this track, definitely check it out!

Jake is BUSY. If you know Jake, you know he is a social media guru, a beloved Twerson (I made that up- but you know, Twitter…) has his own film production company with which he travels the country and world, is an avid Twins fan, trivia and karaoke fanatic, runner, drummer in multiple bands including The Sextons, Subdivider, The Jana Nyberg Group, and The John Richardson Duo. So, he’s busy. When we realized we couldn’t always pin Jake onto our bills, we branched out. Here enters Derek Dreier.

Derek is featured on the new “Fever” album, and does a smashing job. (No pun intended.) Derek brings a sensitivity to the music, sometimes even laying out for a chorus, creating cool contrasts. I cannot even begin to explain to you the epic awesomeness he formulated for one of our originals, “Inside a Bottle.” Drummers, just try to transcribe what he did there- I double-dog-dare ‘ya Derek’s attention to detail and classical/jazz background bring new flavors to the table that we all dig…a lot. Case in point, take a listen to the intro on the song, “Emily,” featuring Derek with mallets. Thus shines through Derek’s Masters work on Timpani. I know, right?! He’s a stellar guy.

When Jake AND Derek are both not available, we have yet ANOTHER drummer we love! The infamous Greg Schutte. Man, this guy is kill’in! We’re so glad that he joined in the fun. Greg brings his own pizazz, and if you’ve ever heard him on a gig, you KNOW. He can bring it in any style, ANY, and sound like a natural pro. His beat is nice and tight in the pocket, and you can count on his creativity making a gig a complete blast. He listens like crazy, and he is just a super cool dude.

And last but certainly not least, we decided to expand even MORE, thus the ever-dependable Matt Peterson entering the picture. Matt is THE bassist. He is known to always be timely, super pleasant, and a tight player. Those bass lines are always walking smooth and sitt’in back real nice. Peterson solos delicious lines and keeps beautifully steady time. When Matt isn’t playing the bass, he enjoys cooking, snuggling, and long walks on the beach.

So, let me book-end this entry properly in college-writing class style, and repeat: I am spoiled. Not a day goes by I take these dudes for granted. They’re…INCREDIBLE! They are the reason I love what I do, so much. I’ll stop bragging about my awesome band boys now, but, if you still don’t believe me, come out and see a show soon!

Calendar at: www.janajazz.com/calendar

Thanks for reading, my fabulous JNG-ers, we love you!

Sincerely, the unbelievably spoiled Jana Nyberg

Now for the surprise: More than half way through the show, Adele proceeds to talk in her delightfully Northern English accent about how the tune she’s about to sing makes her, laugh, cry, smile, and is just downright beautiful. What does she break into? “I Can’t Make You Love Me!” For those of you who don’t know, we just released our version of this Bonnie Raitt classic on our newest album, “Fever!” Impeccable timing? Kindred spirits? Who knows, but Adele and I both agree it’s time to bring this painfully gorgeous song back. Adele presented a very classic, soul-filled rendition. Our version has a new spin on it, and radio stations have been spinning it quite often! I know you’ll dig what Jake Nyberg came up with on drums (my bro =) which gives it a feel uniquely our own- a drum and bass drum track kind of thing. See what you think- pick up the new album via itunes, CD Baby, or any number of your other favorite music purchasing vehicles! Then, get at me. Feedback, people! To conclude, do catch Adele in concert, she is accessible and downright amazing. Oh, and Bonnie Raitt, she’s not too shabby live either

That is all, my friends. Love, Jana Banana

www.janajazz.com

P.S. Composing today- look for new music soon! Which will be newer than the newest stuff, which will then not be…the newest…since…there’s…newer newer music. …Yeah.

Adele at Excel

Adam and I have been co-writing songs lately, and one in particular that is on the new album, “Baby Girl’s Life,” is being received wildly well. That’s such a satisfying feeling, and then even more fun to perform. Door County audiences gave warmer receptions than we could’ve dreamed of at our Door County CD Release concert August 11th in Sturgeon Bay, with an audience 300-strong! Similarly loving crowds demanded encores and danced the night away at three other Door County shows this past weekend. 4 hits in 3 days takes a toll on you, but it’s all worth it.

1st CD Release of "Fever"

Looking forward, our Mpls. CD Release is this weekend, and we couldn’t be more pumped! With American Idol postponing the release of this project for a year, it’s finally getting out to you!!! Saturday, August 20th, at Hell’s Kitchen, 6-9p, is when we will excitedly present you with this new project. We love performing in Hell, and will have two special guest appearing with us- Twin Cities’ own Cory Grossman on cello, and Matt Ecklund, emcee.

Further, we’ve gotten a lot of press lately! 106.9 FM the Lodge (Door County, WI) dedicated their entire “Lodge Local” slot to our group, complete with co-hosting the show and spinning 5 tunes from the new album. Thanks, Lodge crew!

“Door County Now” paper ran this extensive article on Aug. 11th: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20110810/ADV05/108100703/After-Idol-Nyberg-brings-Fever-Door

Peninsula Pulse ran this the next day, Aug. 12th: http://www.ppulse.com/Articles-c-2011-08-11-98521.114136-Jana-Nybergs-Idol-Experience.html

A CD Release link: http://www.doorcountytoday.com/news/news-releases/jana-nyberg-group-fever-cd-release-tour-hits-door-county/

And Adam and I will be on Jazz 88 (88.5 fm KBEM Twin Cities) this Thursday night 8/18 at 7pm CST.

Also! Saturday morning, 8/20, the day of the CD Release at Hell’s Kitchen, I’ll be in studio with Larry Englund “Rhythm and Grooves” KFAI 90.3 and 106.7 FM Twin Cities. Thanks in advance, Larry!
And so we say, THANK YOU Twin Cities and Door County, for being oh-so-good to us in the JNG family!

We’re incredibly excited, literally bursting at the seams, to bring you this fresh music, and hope you can join us at the CD Release concert, and other shows coming up. Check in with us often at: www.janajazz.com

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! Here’s to fresh art! Keep it real, JNG peeps.

Much Love, Jana Banana

It’s been such a great summer so far! We just completed a mini Midwest tour and survived the heat with 6 outdoor shows in 6 days, including that epic heat wave in Illinois. (A double-header that day, 80 dew point and about  100° out!) It was fabulous to see many of you on the road. Now, we are gearing up for two CD releases. Our fan base in WI has been solid as a rock since the beginning, so we decided to hold a WI CD Release party even BEFORE our Mpls one. I know, you are just that special to us.

The concert will be held at the Martin Park Band Shell in Sturgeon Bay, Door County, WI. (See info card image with post.) If you haven’t been here before, this stage is brand new and BEAUTIFUL. Great sound, and a fabulous community to perform in.

Martin Park Band Shell, Sturgeon Bay, WI

Thursday, August 11th, 7-9p FREE!

If you’ll be in the area, we’d love to celebrate this  momentous occasion of our second full-length album, “Fever,” with you! As always, thanks for your support, you’re amazing people.

See you on the road!

Much love,

The Jana Nyberg Group

Yay. I seriously love hitt’in the road and meeting all kinds of fabulous people, not to mention playing our arses off. It is going to be sooooo fun to promote the new album, Fever! And it all starts tomorrow, July 19th. We play in Ephraim, WI (Door County) at the Fyr  Ball Festival (yes, Norwegian for “Fire,” but insert jokes here)  at noon at the gazebo across from Lake Michigan. Yes folks, Lake Michigan is our backdrop. Not too shabby, eh?

We have a soft spot in our hearts for Door County, as it is where our group took form 6 summers ago. We used to spend all summer up here, about 3 summers in a row, playing 4 regular gigs a week. And now, we always return with big smiles on our faces =) If it rains, we shall still play, but probably around 1p in the Village Hall just north of the gazebo- sure to be a classy time. I. LOVE. VILLAGE. HALLS. Seriously. Don’t know what it is. some kind of history, or charm, or SOMEthing. So, if you’re in the area, please stop by! We’d love to see you. And once again, thanks for helping us realize our “Fever” album dreams by making our Kickstarter funding SUCCESSFUL!

Please check our calendar link to see when we’ll be in a city near you, because it’s summer, and we be on the road babay!

www.janajazz.com/calendar

Love, Jana Banana

Album funding VICTORIOUS!

THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! Truly, you’re the BEST.

The new album is coming...brace yourselves

Hello faithful followers of the JNG,

My apologies for not posting in so long- it’s been a nutty finish of a school year for me! But the last day of teaching was yesterday, so, I’m BACK!

We are just wrapping up our Kickstarter fund-raising campaign efforts for the new album, “Fever,” set to release in August, and we haven’t yet reached our goal of $4,000,  but WE’RE CLOSE! We’re at $2,846, so about $1,000 left to raise. If we do not reach the goal, no funds will be processed or received. It’s all or noth’in, folks! If you want donate, there are super fun packages to purchase with crazy perks, and if you just want to pre-order the album, that totally helps too! Just go to:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/adammeckler/jana-nyberg-group-fever

THERE ARE ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT! We can do this, people! As always, thank you for your support, you are the best fans on the planet, AND in the universe.

We are so excited about this new album, and think you’ll love the new music. We have some Midwest summer touring coming up to promote “Fever”- check the website calendar to see when we’ll be near you!

http://www.janajazz.com/calendar

We’re excited about all of this momentum, and can’t wait to see you on the road!

Thanks for everything, you fabulous, fabulous fans. See you on the flip, Jana Banana =0)

So, hop on over to janajazz.com and grab those tracks! Enjoy. We’ll keep you posted on the new album as it blossoms.
All Twin Cities folks/visiting peeps, come on over to the Honey Lounge in North East Minneapolis on Saturday, January 29th- we play from 7:30-10p and as always, there’s no cover. This performance features special guest and original group drummer, Jake Nyberg! He rocks, and YES, he’s my brother:) Don’t worry, the sibling rivalry is LOOOONNNNNGGG passed…I think. Right Jakey? Anyway, hope to see you out at this super hip venue where we’ll smack you in the ears with new music…gently, of course. Peace! -Jana Banana

You just never know what  sort of guise we’ll take on playing the Hell’s Kitchen brunch (downtown Mpls. 10th and Marquette) on Saturday, October 30th, Halloween weekend! From 10a-1p we shall play IN COSTUME, not to mention the servers don pj’s at every brunch. SO, this is a gig sure to entertain! Not to mention we’ll play some MUSIC, Including album preview originals, and some of our new favorites. YOU WEAR A COSTUME TOO! Be there.

The photo above is proof that the Mecklers DO Halloween- Bonnie and Clyde last year- and it became the Christmas card. This year? Well, you just have to come and see…

-Jana Banana