Concert Series: Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

After thirty-five years of being at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, Grammy award winner Jon Cleary decided to bring that sound back home, both figuratively and literally. He assembled the Absolute Monster Gentlemen (his acclaimed all-star big band) in his home studio in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans, drew up a setlist of some of his most beloved songs – and some new favorites – and rolled tape.

The result is The Bywater Sessions, a musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk, and joy that has packed concert halls from New Orleans to Tokyo and beyond. Co-produced by Cleary and John Porter (Roxy Music, The Smiths, Taj Mahal), it’s a stunning collection of performances that affirms Cleary’s place in the New Orleans musical vanguard.

As for the musicians, it’s the best of the best. Long time Absolute Monster Gentlemen Cornell Williams and A.J. Hall anchor the band on bass and drums, respectively. They are joined by Nigel Hall (Lettuce) on Hammond organ, Pedro Segundo (Ronnie Scott’s All Stars) on percussion, Xavier Lynn (MonoNeon, Ledisi) on guitar, and an all-star horn section of Aaron Narcisse (Delfeayo Marsalis & the Uptown Jazz Orchestra), Charlie Halloran (Squirrel Nut Zippers, Preservation Hall All Stars) and Jason Mingledorff (Galactic).

The 2026-2027 Concert Series is supported in part by Mary Ann Coleman, Mimi San Pedro, Olivia Farrell, and Susan Conley and the Partnership for Community Enrichment with Gael Downs Hees and Randy Hees.

Photo by Steve Rapport.