The legendary Hot 8 Brass Band is back with Big Tuba—their first studio album since 2019—a powerful and vibrant tribute to their late co-founder Bennie Pete and the enduring cultural heartbeat of New Orleans. Known for blending traditional jazz, funk, hip hop, and bounce music, the Grammy-nominated ensemble once again delivers an electrifying sound rooted in the Crescent City’s rich musical heritage.
Released in 2025, Big Tuba features nine dynamic tracks, plus a digital bonus cover of Al Green’s "Let’s Stay Together." The album showcases the band’s signature brass-driven energy while embracing contemporary influences, continuing their mission to fuse the past and present of New Orleans' sonic landscape.
A Tribute to Bennie Pete and the Power of the Sousaphone
The title track, “Big Tuba,” kicks off the album with a groove-heavy celebration of the sousaphone—Bennie Pete’s beloved instrument. Pete’s presence and vision are felt throughout the record. Bandmates describe him as a guiding light: “a leader, teacher, and mentor” who championed preserving New Orleans culture for generations to come.
From an emotionally charged reinterpretation of Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” to the resilient anthem “Fight Song,” Hot 8 Brass Band delivers a collection that’s both poignant and celebratory. The music channels their personal and collective journey through adversity—loss, street violence, and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina—proving once again that the spirit of New Orleans cannot be broken.
Carrying the Torch of a Musical Legacy
With past collaborations that include Jon Batiste, Mos Def, and Lauryn Hill, Hot 8 Brass Band continues to stand as global ambassadors of the New Orleans brass band tradition. Whether leading a Sunday second line or playing a somber jazz funeral, their music embodies both grief and joy—a communal expression of life in the Crescent City.
With Big Tuba, Hot 8 not only honors Bennie Pete but also reaffirms that New Orleans music lives on through celebration, resilience, and soul. This album is more than a tribute—it's a testament to survival, tradition, and a love that never dies.
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