Tipitina is a UK group from Preston, Lancashire, with a sound rooted in New Orleans music, swing, boogie-woogie, jive, blues and gospel. The group centres on Justin Randall, Debbie Jones and Gary Barber, with Andy Jones, John Battrum and Tom Hill appearing on some occasions.

Style and influences

Tipitina draws heavily on the music of New Orleans and its main figures, including Professor Longhair, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint and Dr John. The group’s name comes from Professor Longhair’s piece of the same title. Its repertoire ranges across material from different eras and styles, bringing together songs such as Dream A Little Dream Of Me, Hit That Jive Jack, Fats Waller’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ and Tom Waits’ I Wish I Was In New Orleans.

Repertoire and approach

The group’s performances combine polished musicianship with a broad approach to song choice, moving between pop standards, early jazz and blues material, and New Orleans-associated numbers. Its style is defined by the blending of these influences into a distinctive sound rather than by strict adherence to one genre.

Line-up

The core line-up is Justin Randall, Debbie Jones and Gary Barber. Andy Jones, John Battrum and Tom Hill join the group on some occasions.