The Courtyard Kings

http://www.myspace.com/thecourtyardkings

The Courtyard Kings were founded in March 2005. Violinist, Mike Harvey, and guitarist, Carl Keith, rapidly formed a vision for the band and developed a repertoire. After almost a year apart, due to Katrina, they reunited and have been performing regularly in New Orleans ever since. Their newest member, Greg Smith, expands the sound with his string bass. They have developed their style based primarily on original arrangements of jazz standards that combine elements of gypsy jazz, New Orleans traditional jazz, Brazilian jazz, bebop, classical, and rock’n’roll. They keep busy with gigs around town and private parties.

Michael Harvey, a New Orleans native, has studied classical violin since age four and received a Bachelor of Music degree from Loyola University in 2003. In addition to performance, Michael teaches private violin and guitar lessons at St. Martin’s Episcopal School and engineers recordings for distinguished artists in New Orleans. Carl Keith, a studied, lifelong guitarist, relocated to New Orleans from Detroit, Michigan in 2002, seeking musical performance opportunities