Remember 8 ball Jackets?

I'm always looking to extend my musical branches further. To try something that i haven't tried before. I would class listening to a brass fronted modern Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop fusion band as trying something new (for me it is anyway). The Hot 8 Brass Band Hail from New Orleans & are the 1st US act to be signed by Tru Thoughts. But these guys aren't just musicians. They have strong ties to the political landscape in the US deep south, especially on anti violence issues. These guys have lost 4 band members to street violence & use their music as a conduit to convey their message. Staying true to their New Orleans roots, they bring in other elements to their sound with ease. Their lead single, a cover of Marvin's 'Sexual Healing, caused a sensation among those in the know. It is a brilliantly funky, uptempo cover that deserves alot more recognition. There's also a superb cover of Snoop's 'Whats My Name' as well as an awesome array of original material. Like 'Skeet Skeet'. That has the band in full voice foot stomping bass drums & the ever present (& masterfully played) horns. Or 'Rastafunk', which wondefully plays out just as the title suggests. The whole damn album is an experience that can only be bettered by seeing these guys live. I hear that the atmosphere created at there live shows is mind blowing & it is my mission to somehow get to a show to see these guys. A groove filled infectious debut that i will be using a few copies of as birthday presents. Awesome.

p e a c e

The Hot 8 Brass Band - Skeet Skeet

The Hot 8 Brass Band - Rastafunk