Vinyl Vault: Nolatet, “Somthin’ To Relax With”

This week, the Vinyl Vault will feature a brand new record. Most Vinyl Vault features are records from the 1970s or 1980s, and some are even older than that. It’s a rare episode that includes an album from the 21st Century, but this week, we’ll have a 2026 release from the New Orleans band, Nolatet. Their record, Somethin’ To Relax With, was just released on Royal Potato Family Records.

Nolatet includes a veteran New Orleans rhythm section of Johnny Vidacovich on drums and James Singleton on bass. Their lengthy resume includes backing musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Professor Longhair. On the Nolatet’s front line are Mike Dillon, a veteran of Garage A Trois, among others, on vibraphone and percussion, and Brian Haas, of the Jacob Fred Odyssey, on piano.

The album was recorded live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, of all places. It’s a mix of quirky melodies and fearless improvised passages. Nolatet will play Dazzle in Denver, this Thursday, April 16, at 6:30 and 9 p.m.

Check out some brand new sounds with Geoff Anderson on the next Vinyl Vault, Tuesday, April 14 at 8:30 p.m. as part of the Tuesday Night Beat on KUVO JAZZ.