MUSIC

The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band (JKIBB) – one of the only jazz big bands in the world comprised exclusively of Native and Indigenous people – is releasing its debut album, Incarnadine, on May 8, 2026. Led by celebrated vocalist Julia Keefe (Nez Perce), Incarnadine brings together a 16-piece ensemble to celebrate a largely unrecognized lineage of Indigenous artists in jazz, while presenting new compositions rooted in tribal histories and storytelling. Following extensive touring at major performing arts centers and jazz clubs across the country, Incarnadine offers the ensemble's first recorded statement. On Incarnadine, celebrated vocalist Julia Keefe (Nez Perce) leads her all-star Indigenous Big Band featuring pianist Marc Cary (Chappaquiddick Wampanoag), trumpeter Delbert Anderson (Diné), bassist Mali Obomsawin (Abanaki of Odanak), trombonist Quinn Carson (Apache/Kiowa), drummer Edward Littlefield (Lingít), and many more. “We are not culturally monolithic,” said Keefe. “We each bring with us the cultural practices of our ancestors and many of our compositions are derived from traditional melodies and stories. With Incarnadine, we dive deeper into improvisatory music from the Indigenous perspective.” The album features music made famous by Indigenous jazz musicians from the Twentieth Century such as Mildred Bailey (Coeur d’Alene) and Jim Pepper (Kaw/Mvskoke) but also amplifies new works from musicians within the band’s ranks. Mali Obomsawin’s “Wawasint8da” is a haunting exploration of a Catholic hymn that was translated into the Abanaki language by an early French Jesuit missionary. DDAT Suite by Delbert Anderson pays homage to his tribal lands, commemorates Diné code talkers, and tells the story of an overnight train ride from Gallup, NM to Los Angeles. Keefe’s composition “Sonnet” was inspired by the poetry of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. To quote the late Jim Pepper, “you can’t generalize about Indian music, it’s too diverse.” Incarnadine was recorded through the support of The Prior Performing Arts Center at the College of the Holy Cross. Album artwork by Ellen Taylor (Umatilla). Mixed by Ken Rich, Grand Street Record Studio. Mastered by Dave Darlington.

Julia Keefe on Vocals Delbert Anderson on Trumpet Mali Obomsawin on Bass Nick Lucero on Drums Live at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia WA

Julia Keefe on vocals Misha Bigos on piano Sezin Ahmet Turkmenoglu on bass Adam Benham on drums

"Water" (Jim Pepper) Arranged by Jhoely Garay Performed by the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band Live at Joe's Pub, NYC on January 13th, 2024

“Blood Quantum” Composed by Mali Obomsawin (Abanaki of Odanak) Arranged by Steven Feifke Live at Joe’s Pub, January 13, 2024

Due to some snafus on the back end, I had to pull the single down from all platforms. However, I am re-uploading the single so you will be able to stream it exactly the way it should sound soon. Watch this space for when the single is actually live and available. In the meantime, enjoy this officially unofficial music video for the first single from the Mildred Bailey Project! Recorded at Grand Street Recording, Brooklyn NY, May 2023.

Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band documentary film trailer For more information, go to JuliaKeefe.com Heart of the Monster Productions SkyBear Media Productions

Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band performing DDAT Suite, Mvt. 2. "Attention" A composition by Delbert Anderson (Diné), Arranged by Franklin Piland May 19, 2022 at Washington Center for the Performing Arts, Olympia, WA