Album of the Week – ‘On the Spot’ by the Hot 8 Brass Band

New Orleans’ Grammy-nominated Hot 8 Brass Band have released their fifth album, ‘On The Spot’. Lead singles “Working Together”/“Keepin’ It Funky”  have been gaining support from Jamie Cullum (BBC R2), Garth Trinidad (KCRW) and Craig Charles (BBC R2/6Music). The latter tastemaker also stars in the “Keepin’ It Funky” video, which sees him leading the crowd of revellers in a raucous Hot 8 parade performance on London’s Clapham Common.

Wherever they are, Hot 8 bring the unique, undiluted energy of the New Orleans Second Line parades.  The new record has its roots firmly in live performance, and in true Hot 8 style it pairs hard-hitting, heart-on-sleeve sentiment with party-fuelling beats, hooks and grooves. ‘On The Spot’ refers to the glorious, rare moment in a New Orleans parade when the band stops to take a break but keeps noodling with their instruments to please the crowd.

Vibing and keeping the energy up, when they’re completely in the moment they sync up and the magic happens – a new tune is created. On The Spot. Buzzing with the live, spontaneous synchronicity which has fuelled their development from the Second line parades of New Orleans to the forefront of the global scene over the last two decades, the new LP sees Hot 8 committing this spirit to record – and in the live arena the tunes are set to blow up.

“We are privileged to tour and to tell the stories of life in our city, to keep alive the memories of our band members who have passed, as well as all the musicians who have gone before”, says band leader and tuba player Bennie Pete. “We can’t wait to share this new music and party with our fans, who help us to keep pushing ourselves on”. The last year has seen Hot 8 Brass Band reaching out ever further; having celebrated their 20th Anniversary with the ‘Vicennial: 20 Years Of The Hot 8 Brass Band’ album in late 2015, they have toured almost constantly since.

Delighting crowds with their rambunctious mix of hip hop, funk and inimitable Big Easy jazz, they have sold out strings of headlines alongside festivals including BST Hyde Park (supporting Mumford & Sons), North Sea Jazz, Secret Garden Party and WOMAD. They wrapped up the summer at Madness’ House Of Common event with their jubilant New Orleans-style parade, before being welcomed with open arms by fans and media on a mini tour of France in autumn.

 Track Listing:

1. 8 Kickin’ It Live
2. Get It How You Live
3. Bottom of the Bucket
4. On The Spot
5. St James Infirmary
6. That Girl
7. Sweetest Taboo
8. Annie Mae
9. Working Together
10. Can’t Nobody Get Down
11. Keepin’ It Funky