The Life & Music of Jelly Roll Morton

"Although New Hampshire isn’t the most obvious home for a group so devoted to the culture of The Big Easy, the Soggy Po’ Boys seem genuine in their ambition to spread the word about jazz New Orleans style, and they’re creating an accessible and fun way into this world."
-London Jazz News

The Soggy Po Boys, native to New England, have quickly become an institution. They are spreading the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, playing at concert halls and street corners; music festivals and burlesque festivals; bars and libraries; wherever the party requires. Part of the beauty of New Orleans music is that it's celebrated and appreciated wherever it goes, from the street to the theater.

This iteration of their "Honoring A Tradition" series focuses on Ferdinand "Jelly Roll" Morton. By the time Jelly Roll was in his early twenties, he was an in-demand musician, playing the entire Gulf Coast. From 1917 to 1922, he created some of the most innovative and creative music that ever emerged – tunes like “King Porter Stomp,” “New Orleans Blues,” “Kansas City Stomp,” “Shreveport Stomp” and the “Original Jelly Roll Blues.” In his typical humble way, Jelly once said, “Everyone today is playing my stuff and I don't even get credit. Kansas City style, Chicago style, New Orleans style hell, they're all Jelly Roll style.”

In 1938, Jelly capped a brilliant musical career with a grand recording session for the Library of Congress. Fifty-two records with more than one hundred individual compositions resulted. Jelly would be the first to tell you, “They were the greatest.” He died in 1941.

The Soggy Po Boys are:

Stu Dias- Vocals / Guitar

Eric Klaxton- Clarinet/Sop. Sax

Josh Gagnon - Trombone

Nick Mainella- Tenor Sax

Mike Effenberger- Piano

Brian Waterhouse- Drums

Scott Kiefner- Bass