Los Angeles-based global jazz ensemble The Neighborhood Orchestra Collective (NOC) will release their second single “In A Little Mood,” on Tuesday, November 21st. Shorthand for “In A Little Mood for Gratitude,” the song is released ahead of Thanksgiving as an ode to the group’s ethos of community building, thankfulness, and appreciation for the dynamic musical and ethnic melting pot of Los Angeles that directly mirrors the mosaic of cultures and backgrounds that are represented throughout the ensemble members from all stations in life.
Coming hot off the heels of the group’s debut single “A Girl Like You” which features legendary underground hip-hop artist Murs, “In A Little Mood” is an engaging instrumental track that showcases zestful horn lines filtrated through an energetic rhythm section and three-piece interlocking percussion section. The track was tracked and produced by GRAMMY-award winner Josef Leimberg (Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Myka 9). The single release is accompanied by a video that showcases footage from their performance at Bridge Fest in August 2023 directly supporting Ozomatli during a free community event that hosted over 10k attendees on the recently re-opened 6th Street Bridge connecting the Arts District and Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. The video was recorded and edited by Mudds of EOTR and can be viewed HERE.
Outside of the singles and performances at festivals that include Bridge Fest, Echo Park Rising, and Next Fest, 2023 has been a pivotal year for the collective revolutionizing the live music experience by cultivating ‘The Jazz Dojo,’ and innovative music residency and community-dwelling at Hello Stranger in Little Tokyo. Hosted on the first and third Tuesday of each month, the series is pioneering a Blockchain-based Jazz Dojo Membership NFT system to connect artists and audiences like never before awarding the first 1000 participants and exclusive NFT that provides discounts, exclusive content, and special even merchandise. The residency is frequently hosted by collaborator and supporter, Sandra Izsadore, the godmother of afrobeat who met and connected with legendary Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Kuti, during his 10-month US tour with his project Koola Lobitos in 1969. As a Black rights activist, Izsadore introduced Fela to the writings of Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and additional revolutionaries whom Fela credits with inspiring his philosophy of Blackism and using music as a weapon to voice injustice, political corruption, and colonialism.
In October, the group presented ‘Lagos x LA,’ in collaboration with Izadore and award-winning Broadway actor, Duain Richmond, who portrayed the role of Fela Kuti in the FELA! Musical on Broad and this summer’s revival at The Olney Theater in Olney, MD. Taking place on October 15th on what would have been Fela Kuti’s 85th birthday, the event commemorated the story of Sandra Izsadore and Los Angeles being an essential origin point of Afrobeat upon Fela's first tour in LA in 1969. The group’s current lineup includes 9x GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum producer Kosine on alto saxophone, sought-after baritone saxophonist and arranger Leah Concialdi previously of ATOMGA, and Enrique Cahmi, trumpet player in the acclaimed Chilian afrobeat band Newen Afrobeat cementing The Neighborhood Orchestra into true supergroup and one to watch headed into the new year.
The Neighborhood Orchestra will continue to roll out a full album of new music in 2024, nurture the residency at The Jazz Dojo, and is slated to curate additional community experiences ranging from booking stages at festivals and compiling sample packs showcasing the group’s dynamic range of musical styles and arrangements.
For more information and to learn more, follow the band on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube.
