Hot 8 Brass Band are a New Orleans institution. The band have been entertaining audiences with their unique blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop for over two decades. Their music is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, and their live performances are a testament to their incredible talent and energy.

The band who have lost several members of the original line up to gun violence are currently on tour to commemorate the passing of founding member Bennie Pete, who passed away to covid related health complications.

Daubed “The Bossman Tour” the band open the set with an original New Orleans Death March, explaining to the audience that the culture is to celebrate life not forget it.

Tonight’s performance will certainly leave a marked impression on the minds of those present.

One of the most impressive things about the Hot 8 Brass Band is their ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music.

Their music is a fusion of traditional New Orleans jazz, funk, and hip-hop, and they are able to switch between these styles with ease.

Their live performances are a high-energy affair, with the band members dancing and interacting with the crowd, creating a party atmosphere that is impossible to resist.

Each member of the ensemble is a master of their instrument, and they work together to create a sound that is both tight and dynamic.

The brass section is particularly impressive, with the trumpets and trombones playing off each other in a way that is both intricate and powerful.

One of the highlights of a Hot 8 Brass Band performance is their rendition of Joy Divisions “Love Will Tear Us Apart” which is impossible not to dance to.

The band rattle through an impeccable set covering Snoop Dog’s “Who Am I” mixed with Luniz, “I Got Five On It”.

There is a special rendition of and I kid you not “Happy Birthday” after all the law of averages would indicated at has to be at least one persons special day in the audience.

Low and behold a couple are invited to the front of the stage who have just been married that morning and are now at the gig celebrating – after all we are here to celebrate life in all of its complex intracies.

“Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye, is dedicated to the journey they have begun together.

The band’s version of the song is a funky, brass-heavy interpretation that is both fun and soulful. The crowd always goes wild when they play this song, and it’s easy to see why.

Hot 8 Brass Band a force to be reckoned with. Their music is a celebration of the rich musical heritage of New Orleans, and their live performances are a testament to their incredible talent and energy. If you have the chance to see them perform, don’t miss it.

Words: Angela Canavan

Photos: Angela Canavan

Fan Favourites:

“I lived the drumming, outside of New Orleans it’s the best jazz we’ve seen, great energy” Shirley Linton

“We thought they were The Cool 3, not the Hot 8 – but we are glad we caught them” Jan Maxton

“Infectious music, rhythmic made you want to dance, we never stopped all night” Avin Newton

“Wanted to see them for five years, so glad I got the opportunity tonight. Ever since I seen the film, “When the Levees Broke” they’ve been on my list. They’re class “ Felix Cairns