Miss Jubilee and the Yas Yas Boys are a St. Louis band that specialize in early blues, jazz and hokum. They perform here in a variety of collaborations of fantastic musicians so it's a different experience every time that they play.
Vocalist Miss Jubilee (aka Valerie Kirchhoff) leads the group, paying homage to the female blues singers of the 1920s and 30s and to the rich musical heritage of St. Louis. In those days, there was so much great music that blurred the line between “jazz” and “blues”, and these are the sounds that most inspire Miss Jubilee and the Yas Yas Boys. Performed with joy, precision, and an infectious energy, they prove that this wonderful old music isn’t ready for the museum quite yet!
Kirchoff is the dynamic voice of Miss Jubilee, a name that has been synonymous with blues & hot jazz in St. Louis for a decade. The piano/vocal core of the group is what drives the sound. Pianist Ethan Leinwand is an excellent barrelhouse blues piano player nestled in the cradle of ragtime. Kirchoff’s excellent rhythmic vocalization transforms old blues songs into something fresh and relatable. Her voice is an instrument, her impeccable timing guiding the band and getting right down in the ensemble mix.
Their newest album was recorded at Bigtone Records in Bristol, VA, known for award winning new issues of traditional American music. Cool It If You Can is a high energy romp through sassy female blues numbers, with the band playing a hot and swinging revival sound.
“A kind of hot elegant rawness, a wild oxymoron that will make sense with the first listening.” – Michael Steinman , Jazz Lives
