Biography

Introducing...The N'AWLINS GUMBO KINGS

Every band has its story and the NAwlins gumbo Kings have theirs as well. Until the summer of 2002, trumpeter Steve Howard, clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger Mike Sizer and trombonist Brad Herring had never crossed paths. Well thats not quite true you see because each member of this band has spent years working on Bourbon Street in the Big Easy, New Orleans with overlapping tours of duty, playing for the top performers and working in the top studios yet as crazy as it sounds never meeting. It took six strangers each relocating to the Dallas Fort Worth area one at a time years later in order to come together as a group. Thats where the real story behind the NAwlins Gumbo Kings begins.

One evening that summer in 2002 two turned up on the same gig in Dallas and during the breaks they talked about their love for New Orleans music. One thought led to another and the question popped up, if we were going to put together a New Orleans Jazz band wed need at least one more horn up front but who? In harmony the response was I know the perfect guy. You guessed it, these two cats blurt out the same name at the same time that night and then there were three Steve Howard, Mike Sizer and Brad Herring.

The story is not much different in the rhythm section. When it came to the drum chair the same three-part harmony brought together New Orleans native and veteran drummer Bobby Breaux. Bobby enthusiastically accepted the offer and suggested the addition of top Dallas upright bassist Kerby Stewart. The final piece of the puzzle was put in place with the addition of the legendary Brian Piper on piano and vocals.
The N'awlins Gumbo Kings - six world-class musicians with a collective 150 plus years of experience and performance histories that include greats like Ray Charles, Paul McCartney, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Patti LaBelle, Ellis Marsalis, Dr. John, Mel Torme, Steve Lawrence, Bobby Shew, Eartha Kitt, Tony Bennett, Louis Bellson and many many others! The flawless blending of their talent, styles, and expertise has created a musical experience full of energy and excitement for the band members as well as the audience. New Orleans jazz is some of the happiest and most exciting music in the world, and audiences have consistently responded to the band with the kind of on-your-feet enthusiasm that every band hopes to generate.
Since the summer of 2003, the NAwlins Gumbo Kings have played to sold out houses at every performance. Their rapid success is a testament to their quality as well as the enduring popularity of the music they play. Co-leaders Mike Sizer, Steve Howard, Brad Herring and their band are committed to carrying on the legacy of New Orleans jazz. If you are a fan of New Orleans music, a performance by the N'awlins Gumbo Kings is an experience you don't want to miss and at least one CD is a must have in your music library.