The band grew out of a partnership between Nathanson and Fowlkes in 1987, after the two had played with John Lurie's band The Lounge Lizards. Other regular members include vibraphonist Bill Ware, bassist Brad Jones and drummer E.J. Rodriguez; the group has often featured a violinist (Rob Thomas, Jim Nolet or, more recently, Sam Bardfeld). Guitarists Marc Ribot and David Fiuczynski played in earlier formations of the group. The album that is perhaps their masterpiece, the Hal Willner-produced In Love (High Street Records, 1994), features vocal contributions from Deborah Harry, Jeff Buckley, Jimmy Scott, Bob Dorough and Mavis Staples. Harry later became a regular member of the band, appearing on a number of follow-up albums, including Individually Twisted (which includes two duets with Elvis Costello). Recently the Passengers have recorded infrequently as a full ensemble, though the individual bandmembers' recent side projects tend to feature many fellow Passengers, as well as a similarly skewed musical sensibility.
In 2005 Nathanson composed a work commemorating the world's oldest object, a 4.404 billion year old zircon found in Australia. The work was performed by The Jazz Passengers at a "Rock Concert" held in Madison, Wisconsin in April of that year.
Olé
The Jazz Passengers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We all feel like ruins, so whatta ya say?
I've got these four wheels and who could want for more wheels?
Just throw in a suitcase.
We're off and away.
Let's drive south, way past the border, raise our passports high there.
Mexico will light our load.
Don't say "oh haha" 'til you feel the baja.
The people are kind there, I know you will agree.
Frida carlo and katie gerado are two of my favorites.
They always have been.
Come with me to guadalejara.
Stop off at chiuaua.
Tiny dogs will greet us there.
We'll sit and yap for hours.
I'm just a vulture for old mayan culture, or reefs you can snorkle.
No bullfights for me.
Late in the morning, we'll catch a fiesta in time for siesta again.
Vera cruz will ease our blues then off up to durango.
I'm really partial to shellfish and mangoes and fresh cut celantro.
I know that you can go!
We'll try the flamenco.
Hey senor, don't be a bore.
This sadness you're bearing, it's wearing you down.
When you unravel, there's nothing like travel so pick up the pieces.
Take it from me.
All at once, your life is over for your very eyes.
So whatta ya say?
I say ole.
Ole.
Que padre?
Ole!
I say ole ole ole ole ole ole ole.
I say ole.
The song "Olé" by The Jazz Passengers Featuring Deborah Harry is a joyful and upbeat tune that talks about the idea of taking a road trip to Mexico to find some meaning and spirit in life. The lyrics convey a sense of weariness and disillusionment about life, but also a hope for something new and exciting. The singer suggests they all leave their worries behind and travel down south to Mexico, where they can find the lightness of being they crave. The song mentions various cities in Mexico, such as Guadalajara, Chihauhua, Vera Cruz, and Durango, and describes them as places of hospitality, joy, and culture.
The chorus of the song, "Ole! Ole! Ole!" is a celebratory expression that encapsulates the spirit of the journey. The singer invites everyone to embrace life fully, to let go of their troubles, and to indulge in the pleasures of food, music, and dance. The song also references famous Mexican artists like Frida Kahlo and Katie Gerado, which adds to the cultural richness of the experience. Overall, "Olé" expresses the idea that traveling can be a way to heal one's soul, to discover new horizons, and to connect with the world.
Line by Line Meaning
Here's an idea that I have been brewing.
I have a plan that I've been thinking about.
We all feel like ruins, so whatta ya say?
We're all feeling a bit down, how about we try something to feel better?
I've got these four wheels and who could want for more wheels?
I have a car and it's all we need to go on an adventure.
Just throw in a suitcase.
Packing is simple, just bring what you need in a suitcase.
We're off and away.
We're starting our journey now.
Let's drive south, way past the border, raise our passports high there.
We're going to cross the border into Mexico and show our passports.
Mexico will light our load.
Mexico will lift our spirits and make us feel happier.
Our spirits, they will fly there.
Mexico will make us feel light and free.
Don't say "oh haha" 'til you feel the baja.
Don't make fun of the baja until you've experienced it for yourself.
The people are kind there, I know you will agree.
The people in Mexico are friendly and I believe you'll agree with me.
Frida carlo and katie gerado are two of my favorites.
I love the work of artists Frida Kahlo and Katie Gerardo.
They always have been.
I've admired their work for a long time.
Come with me to guadalejara.
Let's go together to Guadalajara.
Stop off at chiuaua.
We'll make a stop in Chihuahua.
Tiny dogs will greet us there.
We'll be greeted by small dogs in Chihuahua.
We'll sit and yap for hours.
We'll spend hours chatting and relaxing.
I'm just a vulture for old mayan culture, or reefs you can snorkle.
I'm interested in ancient Mayan culture and coral reefs that you can snorkel in.
No bullfights for me.
I'm not interested in attending bullfights.
Late in the morning, we'll catch a fiesta in time for siesta again.
We'll attend a fiesta in the late morning and have a siesta in the afternoon.
Vera cruz will ease our blues then off up to durango.
Visiting Veracruz will make us feel better and we'll then head to Durango.
I'm really partial to shellfish and mangoes and fresh cut celantro.
I love seafood, mangoes, and fresh cilantro.
I know that you can go!
I believe that you'll enjoy this trip as well.
We'll try the flamenco.
We'll give flamenco dancing a try.
Hey senor, don't be a bore.
Don't be boring, let's have some fun!
This sadness you're bearing, it's wearing you down.
Your sadness is making you feel tired and low.
When you unravel, there's nothing like travel so pick up the pieces.
When you feel broken, going on a trip can be the best thing to help you feel better.
Take it from me.
Trust me on this.
All at once, your life is over for your very eyes.
Life goes by quickly so we should make the most of it.
So whatta ya say?
Are you in?
I say ole.
I'm excited for this trip.
Ole.
Yay!
Que padre?
Sounds good to you?
Ole!
Awesome!
I say ole ole ole ole ole ole ole.
I'm really excited and happy!
I say ole.
I can't wait!
Contributed by Kennedy J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.