Tuba Skinny is a world class collective dedicated to the spirited resurrection of early 20th century American music. Originating as a busking ensemble in the streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the band has spent over a decade wandering the globe and releasing twelve acclaimed albums. While they are celebrated as premier interpreters of traditional jazz, their repertoire is a vast genealogy of Americana that includes jug band music, spirituals, country blues, ragtime, and New Orleans R&B. The ensemble is composed of a dedicated core of musicians including cornetist Shaye Cohn, trombonist Barnabus Jones, and vocalist Erika Lewis, who work democratically to breathe new life into both celebrated classics and long lost compositions from the archives of legends like Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith.

What sets Tuba Skinny apart is their unwavering commitment to the organic and unpredictable nature of street performance. Despite their international fame and high profile concert hall bookings, they consistently return to public spaces to play for people from all walks of life. This dedication to their roots is mirrored in their approach to the digital age, as they have famously eschewed traditional social media and streaming platforms, allowing their global fanbase to crowd source their internet presence. Their recent evolution includes the release of Magnolia Stroll, an album of all original tunes that serves as a love letter to the neighborhoods of New Orleans. By maintaining their independent spirit and musical prowess, Tuba Skinny continues to define a lifestyle of artistic freedom that resonates with audiences young and old.

 

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