AuroraNealand

Aurora Nealand came to New Orleans from the broader American jazz world and became one of its most vital contemporary figures. As a saxophonist, she is technically gifted and stylistically fearless, equally at home in a traditional second-line context and in the most open improvisational settings.

Her band Royal Roses has been one of the most interesting ensembles on the Frenchmen Street scene, blending vintage jazz with experimental energy in a way that feels both rooted and forward-looking. Nealand has also collaborated widely across the city's musical community.

As a vocalist, Nealand brings the same adventurousness to her singing that she brings to her horn playing — her voice is an instrument in the fullest sense, used with creativity and conviction. Her recordings document an artist constantly in search of new musical territory.

Nealand is also an active member of the improvised music community, performing in various configurations that push at the edges of what New Orleans music can be. She represents the city's tradition of absorbing influences and transforming them into something new.