EPK - Electronic press kit

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Email: jjewing@hotmail.com  
Phone: 206-778-4954

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What are people saying about Johnny and the Moles?

“Johnny and the Moles conjure the spirit of a party in New Orleans. A big brassy with tuba, 4 part harmonies, and some of the best players in the Seattle Jazz and Blues scene. An original and irresistible dance group with a sense of humor.” - John Kessler (Long-time Blues host at 88.5 KNKX Tacoma Seattle)

"Imagine if you will, if Tom Waits had a band, which included a NOLA style brass section, gospel singers, an intriguing guitar slinger and had a really strong mix of styles which covered a lot of genres, including NOLA funk, country, doo wop, reggae, soul, 60s pop, jazz, blues, and even an Italian folk song.   A very fun and interesting mix indeed, which would result in wonderful blend of true "pop music" that seems to touch on most of the bases of popular music, as we think of it.   If you can imagine all of that, you would be talking about Johnny And The Moles, who are anything but imaginary."
- Gregory Dear (Seattle Music Aficionado)

“Johnny & the Moles embody everything you look for in an American band. The rhythmic sensibilities of New Orleans 2nd Line (including tuba), the lush vocal harmonies of Southern California rock and the earthy lyrics usually reserved for salty voiced folkies. But they never take themselves too seriously. In fact, it’s their self-effacing humor that truly amplifies their talent.” 
- Roy Meriwether, Jr. (American Music Advocate)

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Bio

Johnny and the Moles are a Seattle based, eclectic band that blends New Orleans vibes with a broader American Roots sensibility - funk, blues, ska, klezmer, country and doo-wop all find a place in the underground world of the Moles. Comprised of veteran Seattle scene makers and sound scribblers, The Moles use their collective experience and creative spirits to create music that elevates the soul and activates the mind…and you can dance to it too!

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The co-leaders of Johnny and the Moles - Johnny Ewing (drummer and lead singer) and Nelson Bell (tuba) - were both long time members of the legendary Seattle jazz group, Reptet. That band came to an end in 2012 when sax player Izaak Mills moved to New York. While Nelson was visiting Izaak in 2015, the two, along with a local drummer, gave energetic  performances in the subways of Brooklyn. The next time Izaak was in Seattle, Nelson booked a gig for him and Izaak and they called on Johnny to fill the drum role.  The venue required a band name to promote the show . Nelson told them, “Call it Johnny and the Moles” (John and the underground buskers of NY). As Nelson and Johnny continued to perform together, the name stuck.
Shortly after this, Johnny and the Moles took up residency at The Backdoor martini bar in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle - essentially a duo with a rotating horn player at this point. Eventually the band solidified into a four-piece, adding keyboardist Stefan Nelson and guitarist Mark Lerro.  They released their debut, self-titled album in 2018, supplemented by a who's who of top Seattle reed and brass players. 
The band continued to evolve, and the latest lineup has proven to be their most stable and dynamic - highlighted by four part vocal harmony, deep and lush horn arrangements and a stage show that exudes showmanship and fun. Still anchored by Nelson and Johnny, they now feature Chava Mirel (guitar/keys/vocals), Park Evans (lead guitar) and Zoe Bermet (vocals).  They are gearing up for a new album release in the spring of 2026 and are eager to take their thing to the next level.

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Say Hello

Bookers, writers, influencers, creatives of any form or impresarios of any type that are interested in collaborating or spreading the gospel of the Mole…hit us up!