The Lou Grassi PoBand , organized in 1995 is comprised of "some of the best freestyle improvisors on the scene at the end of the 20^th century . . ." All Music Guide to Jazz.

  The band has four critically acclaimed CDs on the CIMP label and one on Cadence Jazz Records. The original band members were Herb Robertson , trumpet, Steve Swell , trombone, Perry Robinson , clarinet, Wilber Morris , bass and Lou Grassi , drums.
The trumpet duties have since been shared by Herb Robertson and Paul Smoker depending upon availability.

  The Po Band was inactive for nearly two years after the death of bassist Wilber Morris but has recently recorded it's sixth cd "Infinite POtential" which will be released on CIMP in the spring of 2006. The current PoBand includes original band members Herb Robertson, trumpet, Perry Robinson, clarinet, and Lou Grassi on drums along with Adam Lane , bass and Dave Taylor , bass trombone.

  Guest artists who have recorded or performed with the PoBand include Marshall Allen, Burton Greene, Joseph Jarman and John Tchicai.

  Critics around the world have been unanimous in their praise of the PoBand. In a review of the cd Joy of Being for Signal To Noise Bill Barton wrote "Everyone involved contributes substantial solos, and the collective ensembles are stimulating and lively. Joy of Being often reaches the transcendent and transformational space staked out by the true greats of this art form."

  Cadence Magazine called PoGressions "a kind of intergenerational free music summit meeting."

  The New Zealand publication Opprobrium said "They flow effortlessly between tonal landscapes at times reminding me of Stravinsky's Rite of Spring, at others Sun Ra, Cecil Taylor."

  In his review of Mo'Po for the French ImproJazz magazine Marc Chaloin wrote "It is all impassioned, there isn't a passage that is simply banal" and in his review of comPOsed Steve Vickery of Coda wrote "The PoBand on this outing is a formidable one, . . . Overall the music displays effortlessly the connection between modernism and early forms."

  The PoBand has been featured at many New York City festivals including the Vision Festival,The Stork Music Festival, the Improvised and Otherwise Festival, the "What Is Jazz?"(Knitting Factory) Festival and theTexaco NY Jazz Festival, as well as the Rive de Gier Festival in France.