Tuba Skinny: Reviving Traditional Jazz and Blues
Tuba Skinny is a traditional jazz and street band originating from New Orleans, Louisiana. The ensemble has built a formidable international reputation not through chart-topping sales but via relentless touring, a prolific independent discography, and a massive grassroots following cultivated through online video platforms.
Early career
The band coalesced around 2009 in the post-Hurricane Katrina musical landscape of New Orleans. Formed by a collective of musicians dedicated to pre-World War II American vernacular music, their early performances were on the streets of the French Quarter, honing a raw, energetic sound drawn from 1920s and '30s jazz, blues, and ragtime. Their first official release, the 2009 album Six Feet Down, was self-released, establishing their commitment to acoustic authenticity.
Breakthrough
Tuba Skinny's breakthrough was a digital-era phenomenon, driven by the viral spread of their live street performances on YouTube. While they have never pursued major label status or mainstream chart positions, their growing fame led to extensive international touring from the early 2010s onward. Their album Owl Call Blues, released in 2014, became a touchstone for fans worldwide and solidified their standing as leading figures in the traditional jazz revival scene.
Key tracks
You Let Me Down — This Ethel Waters cover, featuring Shaye Cohn's cornet and vocals by Erika Lewis, is a quintessential example of their ability to channel 1920s blues with modern vitality.
Carpet Alley Breakdown — An original instrumental showcasing the band's tight ensemble playing and deep understanding of early jazz and ragtime rhythms.
Jackson Stomp — A lively track that highlights their skill in resurrecting obscure gems from the Paramount Records catalog, driven by Todd Burdick's sousaphone.
Some Day — A poignant vocal blues number that demonstrates the emotional depth and authenticity behind their revivalist approach.
Pyramid Strut — An original composition that perfectly captures the energetic, danceable spirit of their live street performances.
The band's output remains prolific and independent, with albums like Blue Chime Stomp (2011), Tuba Skinny (2013), and Quartorze (2022) released on their own label or through partnerships like the Belgian label Mono Records. They have collaborated with like-minded musicians such as pianist Tom McDermott and continue to be a fixture at jazz festivals globally, from Australia to Europe.
Listeners who enjoy the acoustic ensemble work of Preservation Hall Jazz Band will appreciate the shared New Orleans heritage. Fans of the gritty, early blues interpretations by Carolina Chocolate Drops will find a similar dedication to historical styles. The energetic street-band aesthetic connects them to the spirit of Young Blood Brass Band, though rooted in an earlier era.
Tuba Skinny's music is regularly featured on specialty radio programming, including traditional jazz FM stations, online blues radio streams, and independent music radio stations that champion acoustic and historical genres. Their authentic sound provides a vital link to the early foundations of American music for a global audience.
The music of Tuba Skinny can be heard on various radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover this unique traditional jazz band by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com.
