Album Review: The Hot 8 Brass Band - On The Spot

Surviving Katrina and the street violence for which New Orleans has a reputation, The Hot 8 Brass Band still shine brightly on their fifth longplayer.

A street marching band all louche with freewheeling New Orleans jazz, this marching band mix it up with funk, soul and hip hop to deal effortlessly cool vibes. Their playing should blow listeners away as they work complex arrangements that put every player in the band to the test. This album feels like Mardi Gras in the French Quarter and it's reassuring that this talented cadre of musicians is keeping the traditions of the city alive.