New Orleans-born saxophonist, composer, and arranger David Bode released his debut album, Good Hang, on August 29, 2025 via 1718 Records, LLC. Leading a 19-piece big band of some of New Orleans’ finest musicians, Bode brings his deep understanding of jazz history and eclectic musical tastes to a dynamic, celebratory recording.
“After many recordings as a sideman or bandmember, I am very proud to present the first album under my own name,” says Bode. “Big Band Jazz was the original inspiration for me to pick up the saxophone, and I am so excited to share my interpretation of this music with the world.”
The album blends modern jazz, classic standards, and reinterpretations of pop and rock. Highlights include John Coltrane’s Syeeda’s Song Flute, Fran Landesman and Tommy Wolf’s ballad Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most, Kenny Garrett’s Happy People, and New Orleans native James Black’s Monkey Puzzle. Bode also explores pop and rock through a medley of The Beatles’ Dear Prudence and Don’t Let Me Down, alongside a cover of Jeff Buckley’s Lover, You Should’ve Come Over. Adding international flair, Astor Piazzolla’s Libertango and two original compositions, Cold Train Funk and Temporary Blindness, round out the repertoire.
Recorded at Marigny Studios, just blocks from the legendary Frenchmen Street, the album resonates with the history and spirit of New Orleans. “Marigny Studios was originally Luthjens’ Dance Hall, where many New Orleans musicians played in the 60s and 70s. It’s great that a building with so much history is still a part of the musical fabric of the city,” Bode notes.
Good Hang is also dedicated to reflecting the resilience of New Orleans, releasing exactly 20 years after Hurricane Katrina. “My family was very lucky with Katrina, but it still impacted me in a major way,” Bode recalls. “When I returned, I had a renewed sense of how important New Orleans is in the history of music. This album is a culmination of many years of study, performance, writing, and living, and I hope my contribution to New Orleans’ musical history is enjoyed by all.”
Personnel Highlights: David Bode (alto & soprano sax, flute), Lori LaPatka (alto & soprano sax), Ari Kohn (tenor sax, flute), Byron Asher (tenor sax, Bb & bass clarinet), Thad Scott (baritone sax, flute), Michael Joseph Christie (trumpet & flugelhorn), Matt Perronne (trumpet & flugelhorn), Peter Gustafson (trombone), Daniel Meinecke (piano, Rhodes, organ), Eric Merchant (guitar), Calvin Morin-Martin (acoustic & electric bass), Ronan Cowan (drums), Jimmy Williams (sousaphone), and more.
Release Details:
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Album: Good Hang
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Label: 1718 Records, LLC
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Release Date: August 29, 2025
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