About

JMO is one of the most versatile and sought after bands to come out of New Orleans.  We are a nine-piece, horn-driven party band that has provided entertainment for celebrities, heads of state, political affairs, society balls, and Mardi Gras Krewes.  Averaging over 200 engagements per year, JMO has entertained clients across the United States and abroad with our New Orleans sound and style.

The vast musical repertoire is flexible enough to account for last minute changes and personal requests.  We specialize in reading your crowd and providing the right musical mix to make your event magical and memorable.  Playing a variety of music that keeps everyone partying from the first note to the last dance, JMO creates musical memories for the foremost parties in New Orleans.  We hope you will allow us to make your party an affair to remember.

Jimmy and Robert Maxwell lead JMO with the quality, professionalism, and intuition to tap the mood of the crowd and deliver an energetic combination of tunes and tempo. Continuing a family history of musicians, we are privileged to be a part of the unique musical tradition of New Orleans.  Our ability to customize the groove for you and your guests makes us the perfect sound solution for any event.  Jimmy and Robert are consummate professionals who see music as their business and transform their business into an art form.

Jimmy says, “We have found this business to be less about 'JMO's music' and more about pleasing people with music. The ability to know what song or style works best in any particular moment is an art that takes years to develop. We take great pride in ensuring each event is the best experience imaginable."

Jimmy Maxwell performs for debutante balls, charitable galas, corporate functions, and other private events across the U.S. and abroad.  In addition to providing the music of the New Orleans Mardi Gras, Jimmy also serves as director of the Louis Armstrong Society Jazz Band, has conducted for Harry Connick Sr. in “A Tribute To Frank Sinatra with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra,” and has performed for U.S. Presidents and members of the British Royal Family.  Dubbed the "King of Mardi Gras Swing!" and "The Musical King of Carnival Balls" by The New Orleans Times Picayune, Jimmy has been the band for top social functions in New Orleans since 1981.  From 1985 to 1989, Jimmy partnered with Peter Duchin, the famed society band leader from New York City.  His performance at the 1988 Republican National Convention landed him on the front page of The New York Times along with Nancy and Ronald Reagan. President George H. W. Bush later invited him to play for the first anniversary inaugural ball at the Kennedy Center along with Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett and Chubby Checker.  Today, Jimmy continues to run business operations for JMO as Robert takes over the conducting of the band.

Carrying on the heritage of drumming from his father and grandfather, Robert continues the tradition of Maxwell men who have been playing drums in New Orleans since the 1930s.  Robert began playing drums as a teenager, and has gone on to arrange, record, and perform internationally.  Graduating from Louisiana State University with a Bachelors' of Arts in Music, he has continued to perform with various groups in the New Orleans area as well as manage JMO.  Beginning in 2010, Robert took over as conductor for JMO’s performances at numerous Mardi Gras balls including Rex and Comus. 

JMO is the premier New Orleans band that plays across the entire southern US.  Whether you’re looking for our nine-piece horn-driven party band, a jazz quartet for your reception, or anything in between, give us a call!