HOT 8 BRASS BAND

The internationally renowned Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans is one of the most enduring and innovative groups in the Crescent City lineage that dates back to Congo Square in the 1880s. Despite traveling the globe often, at home they are among the most popular -- and visible -- funk-style brass bands to participate in community parades and funerals. Their albums have all been issued on the U.K. label Tru Thoughts (which is normally associated with the music of DJ culture and soul and R&B). Several of their tracks have been remixed by well-known producers and DJs and issued as EPs. The band, whose lineup changes often but always retains its four core founding members, can feature as many as ten members. Their funk style blends elemental influences from the Dirty Dozen and Rebirth brass bands, contemporary R&B, rap, and bounce. Their unique sound is due to creative original songs and ideas composed or introduced by its members.