The Recessionals

My name is Greg Englar.

I am a senior at New York University majoring in Jazz Guitar Performance and English Literature.

I lead a Traditional Jazz Band called “The Recessionals,” comprised of myself and five fellow NYU jazz studies students.

The Recessionals are:

me, Greg Englar, banjo, guitar

Jason Prover, surgically attached to a trumpet with a “switch-to-cornet” option at the age of ten, shatters the sound barrier with his range and supplies the front and center vocals.

Rob Jacoby, clarinet, is capable of taking any wooden object and given enough time will make music with it.

Brad Gunson, also from Maryland plays a mean trombone. When not laying it down in the Recessionals, he plays in his eponymous funk band “GunsonRoses.”

On bass is Marty Isenberg, who, according to Jazz Historian Bill Kirchner “goes where others fear to tread.”

Alex Raderman, drums, native of the wild and wooly Westchester, NY keeps the tempo where it needs to be.

Attending a performance of The Recessionals can be hazardous to your health. You will not be able to resist the energy. whether they are blasting forth at near light-speed tempos, or keeping it slow and hazy. Don’t snap or clap along too hard or too much. The band’s heavy-hitting rhythm section takes no prisoners when it comes to laying down the hard driving, Second-Line rhythm synonymous with Traditional Jazz. The music is lively, the faces are fresh, and the beat swings like a wrecking ball.

The Recessionals, when appearing at private parties, have on occasion been known to jump out into the crowd and provide dance lessons or partners for guests.

Members of The Recessionals are not just instrumentalists. They have received vocal coaching from some of the world’s rarest and most exquisite wild animals. You will never hear a tune played the same way twice, as the vocalists’ lyrics may pop up on the spot at the most inopportune and possibly inappropriate times.

Whatever event you are planning, it is guaranteed to be a happenin’ experience with this group of six swinging strapping young lads. They dress for the occasion with slacks and suspenders.

Contact Greg Englar at    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  call 301.641.1206 to book the band.

Story of the park:

The Recessionals have finally found a park home away from home in Washington Square Park. We had to prevail over some lesser bands for our space, still have to fend off the occasional security guard. Other hazards include children with squirt guns. They now enjoy the appreciation of residents and tourists alike.

We have been reminded by performing in the park of the joyous power of live music to lift the spirits of all around, awaken the signers within and bring our audience on an uplifting journey.