What happens when you take a helping of West Coast Rockin’ Blues then add it to New Orleans Funky Jazz? Jambalaya West of course! Kirk Nelson has combined his Midwest roots and his West Coast influence to create a new and exciting sound that is suitable for audiences of all ages.

After the release of the album “Collectibles” from Kirk Nelson in 2018, Jambalaya West was formed. Subsequently gaining popularity in Southern California with regular appearance at the House of Blues and other similar themed venues, the next two years found the industry plaged with cancellations or discontinued venues. That was the moment the band realized there was an opportunity to write and produce a new collection of material.

The album “Lagniappe” (Lan-Yap) was released in March of 2021. The album achieved the #1 spot for Jazzy Blues on the RMR charts (Roots Music Report) presented for the year 2022. During 2022 The band recorded and released two more singles which got a bit of airplay. “Real Sharp Cookie” and “I Don’t Drink No More”(I Don’t Drink No Less)

2023 found Kirk and JW performing in Southern California at private parties, Celebration of Life get togethers and fund raisers. This allowed the band to go into the studio and continue to write and record new material.

On January 5th 2024 Kirk Nelson & Jambalaya West released their next album “Savor The Moment” which charted at #23in The “Soul Blues” category for 2024. You’ll find a couple of cuts from that album below!

For the remainder of 2024 the band played Mardi Gras themed events leading up to local appearances at a Cultural Center in San Pedro called “Collage.” On July 19 Special Guests Deb Ryder and Sean Lane Amos performed. See poster! After which the band continued to fill its schedule with private venues.

2025 began with writing and recording new material for the up coming album set to release in 2026. The year has been also a spree of private shows with occasional side appearances with The legendary Deb Ryder and Niecie Blues from Detroit.

Announcements

The next month is filled with a show in Topanga Nov. 15 with Deb Ryder raising money for the fire that burned there. Also a huge performance by the band on Nov. 21 for “Holiday in the Park” in Burbank. Open to the public all ages!! See posters below.