Ira Nepus was born in Los Angeles, California and was raised on the jazz heritage of his father, one of the key founders of the Hot Club of France in Paris during the late Thirties, and was featured in his first jazz concert at the age of 15. During this time, he performed side by side with Kid Ory, Johnny St. Cyr, Joe Darensbourg, Barney Bigard and Rex Stuart. Ira gives equal importance to all styles of jazz, from traditional on up through contemporary.

Ira currently performs with the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, which he has been an original member of for over thirty-eight years, teaches privately, and performs in all major recording studios throughout the Los Angeles area. He also plays, tours and records with his own quartet.

He has recorded with Paul McCartney (Kisses On The Bottom), Elton John, Leon Russell (The Union), Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (all albums), Elvis Costello, BB king (2009 Grammy Winner) and has also performed and recorded with many of the jazz greats: Benny Carter, Woody Herman, Johnny Mandel, Quincy Jones, Gerald Wilson, Nelson Riddle, Lionel Hampton, Ray Charles, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Aretha Franklin, Diana Krall, and Cab Calloway to name a few.

L.A.6 Jazz Sextet

Chiefly made up of musicians based in the Los Angeles area who came together over 13 years ago, L.A.6 continues to evolve their very unique sound, performing contemporary straight-ahead jazz filled with wonderfully creative solos riding tight ensemble playing. L.A.6 exemplifies the current state of West Coast jazz by retaining the rich small ensemble arranging style developed in California during the 1950s, coupled with a contemporary approach to small group playing.  In addition to Ira, L.A.6 features Clay Jenkins, Tom Peterson, Rich Eames, Jeff D'Angelo and Dick Weller.  Their debut recording has earned high praise - reviews and listening samples are available on their website.

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Clayton Hamilton OrchestraGrammy Nominated Big Band Featuring LA's Finest

Ira has been a member of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra for over 25 years now, and is one of the few  original members, along with Clay Jenkins, George Bohanon, and Maurice Spears.  Some of the highlights have included numerous recordings with Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Dr. John, Barbara Morrison, Charles Aznavour,Ernestine Anderson, Milt Jackson,Tranje Oosterhaus, Leon Russell,  and their very own  CHJO instrumental recordings featuring the talents of all the members with-in the band.

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Softone MutesInvented and used by Ira

Whether you're practicing or performing, the Softone Mute can help professionals and students alike. Made of soft, non-toxic neoprene rubber, Softone mutes are light-weight and easy to use and fit comfortably in your case.

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Brighter MusicContact Ira For Bookings

Started over twenty years ago in 1986, Ira Nepus has brought to the community and other parts of the world some of the finest in entertainment and jazz, from single musicians to entire orchestras for listening or dancing.

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