Press & Awards

The New Orleans Ale Stars win the inaugural ‘Jeff Healey Award’ for Best Album

in 2007, in the Traditional/Classic Jazz Performance category, from the Canadian Collectors’ Congress.

A touching tribute for the Ale Stars, who were big fans of Jeff’s.

 

What they're saying

“Though these guys have won awards for their swing and New Orleans stylings...it’s their cheeky antics that stood out. They were fun and breezy...it was the only show I saw with any real dancing in the wings. Plus, 1920s bass sax: one of the greatest things ever? Yes.”
—Maegan Thomas, The Peak, July 08

“The New Orleans Ale Stars are a coterie of Canadians and one American who invariably hit the ground running...the band often works itself into a frenzy...It all shakes out to be an enjoyable listening experience.”
—Review of 'Kansas City Kitty' by Cam Miller, The American Rag, July 08 read review

What an unpretentiously refreshing album this is! But don’t let the band’s name fool you-they take their music seriously. From the opening number you can feel the enjoyment generated by this small group which certainly achieves the ambition expressed succinctly by cornetist/leader Simon Stribling in the interview fellow musician Jon-Erik Kellso conducted for the notes: ‘To play hot’.
—Review of ‘I Double Dare You’ by Mike Pointon, Just Jazz, June 06 read review

Loved your band!
—Mike Hart, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival

This band plays some seriously fun music-you’re in for a treat!
—Jon-Erik Kellso, all-star trumpeter from New York

Thank you so much for having such a great influence on my life and music...the hour or so I listened to the Ale Stars first, is an hour I can guarantee you I will never, ever forget. I think trad jazz will continue in my generation because of people like you paying such homage to the greats, such as Louis Armstrong. I truly hope I get to see the Ale Stars perform again someday. You guys are definitely my favourite band now!
—Arianna Fanning, a young drummer and fan from Sacramento Jazz Jubilee, June 07