Trudgeon's Trad Jazz Troubadours

Raucous New Orleans Polyphony,
1920s Stomp & Uncut King Street Energy

If you want to experience traditional jazz stripped of museum dust and injected with genuine street-corner adrenaline, look no further than Trudgeon's Trad Jazz Troubadours. Spearheaded by the irrepressible trumpeter and cornet firebrand Jon Trudgeon, this high-octane collective has forged a fierce reputation as one of the most exciting, dynamic live outfits on the South West vintage circuit.

Their sound is rooted firmly in the foundational hot jazz era of the 1920s and the spirited revival of early New Orleans rhythm. Drawing immediate inspiration from pioneers like King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five, and the driving swagger of Kid Ory, the Troubadours deliver music that was built for celebration, clinking glasses, and packed rooms.

The Line-Up & Sonic Engine:
Out front, the front-line horns trade blistering multi-voice polyphony—soaring clarinet runs counter-melodying against tailgate trombone slides and Trudgeon’s lead horn biting through with searing melodic punch and infectious good humor. The backline operates like a vintage steam locomotive: galloping four-in-the-bar tenor banjo, punchy upright bass slap, and crisp syncopated washboard and drum grooves that refuse to let toes stay still.

From breakneck rags and muddy Delta stomps to barrelhouse blues and joyful parade anthems, Trudgeon's Troubadours remind everyone why this music conquered the world a century ago. Loud, proud, and unapologetically hot—an Old Duke essential!

Venue & Event Information