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The Lil Rascals Brass Band is the product of 75 years of history and over a decade of experience performing in New Orleans and throughout the world. The band's unique style fuses smooth, funky grooves with hard-hitting jams that keeps the party rolling.
The Rascals grew up absorbing everyday life in New Orleans' culturally rich Treme neighborhood. They heard music all around them from a young age and performed in second line parades through the streets of Treme on Sunday afternoons. Treme has given birth to some of the city's finest brass bands and musical talent including Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, the Dirty Dozen, Rebirth, Earl Palmer, Danny Barker, and Kermit Ruffins. Founded in 1987 by trombonist Corey Henry and trumpeter Ezall "Money" Quinn when they were just ten years old, the Rascals had already developed a signature sound before the age when most musicians are first picking up their instruments.
Brass bands are an integral part of all social gatherings in New Orleans including weddings, second lines, festivals, and even funerals. In the words of tuba player Jeffrey Hills, "We play music for occasions from birth to death." The Rascals' influences range from traditional brass bands dating prior to World War I, to the brass band revivalists of 1980 and beyond. The brass band revival transformed brass band music, expanding its parameters beyond the jazzy style of traditional groups to include the funk, blues, and jazz styles of a new generation. The movement opened the doors for young bands like the Lil Rascals, who play traditional and funk brass styles, infusing the music with hip-hop, rock, reggae, and you name it.
In the studio the Rascals blur the boundaries of old and new with 1998's We Shall Walk Through the Streets of the City and the brand new super heavy funk of Buck it Like a Horse (Tipitina's/Endangered Species Recs). This latest album includes guest appearances by notable locals Cyril Neville (Neville Bros), Kermit Ruffins (BBQ Swingers, Rebirth Brass Band), and former Rascals member Ben Ellman (Galactic).
The Lil Rascals' core members include Corey Henry and Gregory Veals on trombone, Derrick Tabb on snare drum, Terrence Andrews on bass drum and Jeffrey Hills on tuba. With 8 members in all, they make a powerful live ensemble. The Rascals have performed and collaborated with a long list of national artists including Galactic, The Radiators, The Meters, and Leftover Salmon. Touring in the United States and overseas, they bring their soulful message and down home New Orleans groove all over the world. The Rascals raise the roof with classic numbers and originals, often taking the party from the stage right into the crowd to incite a wild dance party. Their street band format gives them the mobility to play any type of club date, social gathering, festival, or sporting event.
If you are looking for the hottest, most versatile brass band around, look no further.
Lil Rascals got fiya!
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