Albert-Ankrum Project

The Albert-Ankrum Project mixes contemporary jazz with the classic New Orleans sound, resulting in a style that is as informed by New York as it is the Caribbean. Trombonist Jeff Albert and saxophonist/flutist Larry Ankrum give the project its name. The former also performs as part of the Naked Orchestra and Wardell Quezergue's Big Band. In addition to his band work, Albert is on the faculty at the University of New Orleans; he moved to New Orleans in 1999 after spending several years in the Caribbean and before that his native city, Minneapolis. A versatile musician, Ankrum has worked in a variety of band settings, including R&B and rock, and plays both keyboards and woodwinds as well as composes. Rounding out the Albert-Ankrum Project are bassist Casandra Ankrum, guitarist Jesse Lewis, and drummer/percussionist Louis Romanos. Lakefront Digital released the group's self-titled solo debut album in 2002. ~ Jason Birchmeier