The Hot 8 Brass BandIt's hard not to see the HBO series Treme as the main vehicle in recent times to popularise the music of New Orleans. In fact, The Hot 8 Brass Band not only contributed a song to the soundtrack, but Treme actually borrowed part of the Hot 8 story, notably the death of member Joseph Williams, who was killed by police under mysterious circumstances. There's a song called Can't Hide From The Truth, written by trumpeter Raymond Williams, which is a specific message to the police involved. “You can run, but you can't hide, the truth will set you free,” the band offer amidst swirling horns and a jazz-funk swagger. The emotion is palpable. The trumpet in particular is urgent and searing. It says everything. But something amazing happens; this is what New Orleans brass bands – often called on to play funerals – do best: the anger is harnessed by the music and transformed into a life-affirming funky-arsed stomp. It's a celebration of life, a celebration of Williams.
The Hot 8 Brass Band predated Treme; their debut album yielded one of the greatest cover versions this writer has ever heard, a take on Marvin Gaye's Sexual Healing. The sexy smoothness made way for a kind of street swagger that even five years on still sends chills up the spine.
The Life And Times Of… is a post-Katrina album; tunes reference Mardi Gras, traditions, and the band's love of the city, none better than Steamin' Blues, from fallen member Williams. Elsewhere, they've opened up a little more to hip hop with guest vocalists, such as on the infectious stomp of Let Me Do My Thing, and covers of The Specials' Ghost Town and Basement Jaxx's Bingo Bango are only icing on the cake. Gold.
