New Orleans Grammy winners Hot 8 Brass Band breathe new life into Bill Withers’ classic “Ain’t No Sunshine” with their signature brass second-line sound and announce their upcoming album ‘Big Tuba’. This cover, with Frank Williams on vocals, is a heartfelt homage inspired by the loss of Bennie Pete and several influential women in the band’s lives.
The album will feature the previous single and title track, “Big Tuba,” marking the band’s first new music since 2019 and paying tribute to the late Bennie Pete, co-founder and sousaphone player. The album includes nine tracks on vinyl, with an additional track, “Let’s Stay Together“, available digitally. The release comes on 3-Colour A-Side/B-Side vinyl, along with a 12” poster insert and an exclusive 7” featuring covers of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” (Bossman Edit) and Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” both making their vinyl debut.
The band will be touring the East Coast, Europe, the UK, and Ireland in 2025 as part of the Big Tuba Tour, following a series of dates along the US West Coast. This tour builds on the success of their previous sold-out tours, including the Bossman Tour (2023), Mardi Gras (2020), and Take Cover (2019), which featured sold-out shows at venues like London’s Roundhouse and Brighton Dome.
The Hot 8 Brass Band is an iconic musical ensemble that blends the rich traditions of New Orleans brass music with a modern twist of funk, jazz, and hip-hop. Renowned for their vibrant energy and soul-stirring performances, the band has become a symbol of resilience and cultural pride in the Crescent City.
The Hot 8 Brass Band was formed in 1995 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The group came together as a fusion of two earlier brass bands, each of which had its roots in the vibrant local brass band culture. New Orleans has long been celebrated as the birthplace of jazz, and brass bands are a central element of the city’s musical identity, accompanying everything from street parades to funerals in traditional second-line fashion.
The Hot 8 quickly gained recognition for their unique sound, which combines the traditional brass band format—trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphones, and drums—with modern influences like funk rhythms, soulful melodies, and contemporary hip-hop beats. Their music reflects the spirit of New Orleans, celebrating joy and community while also addressing the struggles faced by the city’s residents.
Over the years, the Hot 8 Brass Band has faced numerous challenges, including the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Many of the band members lost their homes and loved ones in the storm, yet they continued to perform, using music as a way to heal and inspire others. Their resilience has made them a beacon of hope and an emblem of New Orleans’ enduring cultural legacy.
The band has also dealt with personal tragedies, including the untimely deaths of several members. These experiences have deeply influenced their music, imbuing it with a raw emotional depth that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Hot 8 Brass Band’s music has earned them international acclaim. They have released several albums, including Rock with the Hot 8 and The Life & Times Of…, which showcase their ability to blend traditional brass sounds with contemporary styles. Their cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” became particularly popular, introducing their sound to a global audience.
The band’s live performances are legendary, characterized by high-energy sets that often lead to spontaneous second-line parades. They have toured extensively, bringing the spirit of New Orleans to audiences around the world, and have collaborated with renowned artists like Mos Def and Lauryn Hill.
The Hot 8 Brass Band is more than just a musical group; they are ambassadors of New Orleans culture. Their music celebrates the city’s rich traditions while pushing boundaries to create something uniquely modern. Through their art, they honor the past, confront the present, and inspire the future, ensuring that the sounds of New Orleans continue to thrive on the global stage.
In many ways, the Hot 8 Brass Band embodies the essence of New Orleans: vibrant, resilient, and deeply soulful. Their story is one of triumph over adversity, a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift.
Official Website Hot 8 Brass Band
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