Finger clicking good vibes inspired by New Orleans’ movers and shakers!

Strum & Blow Collective is the brand new contemporary New Orleans inspired ensemble, promising rip-roaring rhythms, blistering brass and juicy vocal harmonies that are bound to get you on your feet!

The band features award winning jazz vocalist and Puppini Sister Louise Balkwill on vocals and guitar, The Squintet and Tankus’ infamous George Simmonds on trombone and vocals, The Big Easy and New Orleans Jazz Orchestra’s very own Jonathan Bauer on trumpet and vocals, big brass sensation Tom Briers on sousaphone and king of rhythm Pete Hill. Together, they deliver tight vocal harmonies and inimitably joyous vibes over classic New Orleans favourites and never before heard original music.

London-based jazz vocalist Louise Balkwill has been making waves on the European jazz scene, captivating listeners with her charismatic, blues-infused, honest and virtuosic-yet-unpretentious take on vocal jazz.

Her performance at Riga Jazz Stage 2022 guided Splendid Palace’s thousand audients on a journey through raucous laughter and heartfelt tears, winning her first prize in the jazz vocal category. She has since become a household name on the European jazz scene, with performances on some of the continent’s most iconic stages, including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club (London) and Nardis Jazz Club (Istanbul).

Louise also regulary appears as the soprano and tenor deputy of The Puppini Sisters, who are regarded as the world’s leading close-harmony group counting King Charles, The Manhattan Transfer, Hugh Laurie, Gary Barlow and Michael Bublé amongst their fans.

Balkwill’s admirers include the likes of Leroy Jones (trumpeter to Harry Connick Jr., with whom she released the single “Sweeter Than A Summer Breeze” in May 2023 featuring her own lyrics on Jones’ melody), alongside jazz cream cream of the crop Deedee Bridgewater, Liane Carroll, Ian Shaw, Claire Martin and the late Dr. John.

Louise Balkwill – Vox/Guitar
George Simmonds – Trombone/Vox
Jonathan Bauer – Trumpet/Vox
Tom Briers – Sousaphone
Pete Hill – Drums