Cleveland's BOP STOP Named #1 Jazz Club in America

Congratulations to Cleveland's legendary BOP STOP for having been named the #1 Jazz Club in America and the #2 in the World in the All About Jazz Readers Poll! I'm very proud to have recorded my band's live album -- Bootlegs from the Bop Stop --there in the Fall of 2017!

In the Fall of 2017, my band Eric Seddon's Hot Club was given the rare opportunity to lead a six concert history of jazz clarinet. At the time we jokingly called it the Trad Jazz Invasion, and were deeply grateful for the enthusiasm and support of the manager, Gabe Pollack, for giving us the opportunity and sticking with us for that entire season. We were so happy with the sound of the room and some of the performances captured by friends that we released Eric Seddon's Hot Club "Bootlegs from the Bop Stop" in 2018. You can order your copy of the album here. 

As an interesting note, only the Kozlov Club in Moscow topped the Bop Stop globally. This isn't much of surprise to me, as so many of our readers are from the Russian Federation. perhaps we'll have to do a second live album there! 

Bootlegs from the Bop Stop

One year ago tonight, Eric Seddon's Hot Club was in the middle of a six concert 'Trad Jazz Invasion' of the Bop Stop in Cleveland. Several of the numbers we performed that night were captured and released on our first CD: Eric Seddon's Hot Club: Bootlegs from the Bop Stop. (Click link and scroll down for CD ordering information.)

Here are some clips of the band from that series...it was a special time.

CD Release Party at the BOP STOP in Cleveland

Eric Seddon's Hot Club at the BOP STOP (photo: Bill Laufer)

This is the Big One at Last! If you're wondering which of our upcoming gigs to attend, our CD release party at the Bop Stop is the one I'd suggest. I usually don't discriminate when it comes to gigs, but last year Gabe Pollack gave our band the unprecedented opportunity to play a six concert 'Trad Jazz Invasion' of the Bop Stop in Cleveland. We covered rarely heard Sidney Bechet numbers, Jimmie Noone, George Lewis, Benny Goodman, Acker Bilk, Hubert Rostaing, and an evening of my own tunes.

One of the results of that series was our new CD--Bootlegs from the Bop Stop, recorded by Bill Laufer and my wife Elisa, which we'll be selling at this gig.

Also joining us this Thursday will be the legendary Dean of the Trad Jazz Scene here in Cleveland-- George Foley--on the Bop Stop's famous Steinway. If you haven't heard George on a Steinway, this is one of the great opportunities to do so.

George Foley (piano) with Eric Seddon (clarinet)

Mostly, I'd like to thank Gabe with a packed house--for backing our group throughout all of last Fall, and allowing our mission of bringing Traditional New Orleans style jazz played at the highest level of artistry a chance to shine at one of the top nightclubs in Cleveland.

Eric Seddon, clarinet
George Foley, piano
Kevin T Richards, guitar
Gene Epstein, bass
Bill Fuller, drums

Songs from Bechet to Today....

You can purchase your tickets here.

The BOP STOP
2920 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44113

Thank you and KEEP SWINGING!!!

Eric Seddon's Hot Club * CD Release Party at The Bop Stop in Cleveland * Thursday August 16th

Just about a year ago, Gabe Pollack gave our band the unprecedented opportunity to play six concerts of New Orleans style jazz over a twelve week period at the BOP STOP -- arguably the best listening room for jazz in Cleveland. Three weeks from tonight, we're going to return there to celebrate our live CD pulled from those evenings--Eric Seddon's Hot Club: Bootlegs from the Bop Stop. 

I'd like to repay Gabe's faith in us with a packed house this August 16th. Tickets are only $12, and can be purchased here. 

In addition to hearing material from the new album, you'll be treated to real NOLA style hot jazz from my clarinet,  George Foley on the Bop Stop's Steinway piano, Kevin T. Richards on guitar, Gene Epstein on bass, and Bill Fuller on drums. The new CD will also be available for purchase! 

"Seddon, who has a large tone and extroverted style on clarinet...dominates the music, playing with infectious spirit and creativity within the classic format. His songs, which include a tribute to the late Acker Bilk ("Goodbye Bowler Hat"), are natural fits for New Orleans jazz bands..." 

--Scott Yanow, The Syncopated Times

Eric Seddon's Hot Club [photo: Bill Laufer]

Eric Seddon's Hot Club * Go Down, Moses * Bootlegs from the Bop Stop * Marlboro Man Music * 2018

Here's a video of a spiritual included on our new album Bootlegs from the Bop Stop, available through Marlboro Man Music here (shipping to the US only). All of the recordings for this album were captured live in single takes during our Trad Jazz Invasion of Cleveland's Bop Stop in the Fall of 2017.

Eric Seddon, clarinet
Jim Davis, cornet
Kevin T. Richards, guitar
Gene Epstein, bass
Bill Fuller, drums

video by Bill Laufer/Laufer Film

Enjoy!

Scott Yanow on Bootlegs from the Bop Stop

"Seddon, who has a large tone and extroverted style on clarinet...dominates the music, playing with infectious spirit and creativity within the classic format. His songs, which include a tribute to the late Acker Bilk ("Goodbye Bowler Hat"), are natural fits for New Orleans jazz bands..."

Scott Yanow, from a review in The Syncopated Times, July 21018

CDs of the new album can be ordered here (shipping to USA only).