The Magnetic Ear

The Magnetic Ear was originally formed by Martin Krusche in 2005 as a trio featuring Kirk Joseph (founding member of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band) on sousaphone and Kevin O'Day on drums. After the chaos of hurricane Katrina the group was reformed as a larger collective, a home for returning musicians whose previous bands were scattered.

The new extended Magnetic Ear features founder Martin Krusche on tenor saxophone, Daniel Oestereicher on baritone saxophone, Jeff Albert on trombone, Jon Gross on sousaphone and Justin Peake on drums.

The orchestration of this group combined with the musical background of its players allows for a wide variety of styles. The band is as comfortable with a lush arrangement of an Ellington ballad as it is with an original jazz

composition, second line or funk. That variety is well demonstrated on their release 'The Magnetic Ear live at Saturn Bar'.

Martin Krusche moved first to New Orleans in 1995 and soon made a name for himself as a composer and band leader. The recording 'Martin Krusche and Friendship Pagoda feat. Nicholas Payton live at Snug Harbor' sold worldwide over 5000 copies and earned him 'fifth best local record of 2000' by

The Times Picayune. The Magnetic Ear was nominated 'best new emerging artist' for 2007. In 2008 Martin was nominated for 'best saxophone player' by off-beat magazine and for 'contemporary jazz' by gambit weekly.