Barrelhouse Jazzband

Barrelhouse Jazzband is a German jazz ensemble from Frankfurt am Main formed in 1953. The group’s musical style is associated with New Orleans jazz and swing. The ensemble was led by bandleader and arranger Reimer von Essen between 1962 and 2023. The band released its debut recording, the studio album Driving Hot Jazz, in 1965. Their recording history featured the studio albums Travelling Blues (1976) and You Are Driving Me Crazy (1976), the latter of which received the Deutsche Schallplattenpreis in 1977. In 1968, the members of the ensemble were named honorary citizens of New Orleans. During its career, the group has performed in 56 countries and has collaborated with jazz musicians including Mezz Mezzrow, Clark Terry and Lionel Hampton. The ensemble subsequently issued the studio recordings Plays King Oliver (1992) and Creole Spirit (2012). Their later recording history included the studio recordings 1976- 2013: The Music of Jelly Roll Morton (2014) and 70 Jahre Barrelhouse Jazzband: Forever New! (2023). In 2026, members of the ensemble include Sven Hack, Joachim Lösch, Christof Sänger, Roman Klöcker, Lindy Huppertsberg and Michael Ehret.