There’s no denying that some of the best jazz albums of all time were recorded live. That’s the energy that Brooklyn-based ensemble Huntertones is trying to capture on their new record, aptly-titled Live. Due out on September 30th, the band laid down some stellar shows at Natalie’s (Columbus, OH) and Blu Jazz (Akron, OH), and subsequently captured them for the new release.
The band is headed up by pianist Theron Brown — who portrayed a young Herbie Hancock in the Miles Ahead film — and trumpeter Jon Lampley — who appears on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as part of the house band, Jon Batiste and Stay Human. With Dan White (saxophone), Chris Ott (trombone, beatbox), Joshua Hill (guitar), Jeff Bass (bass), Adam DeAscentis (bass), and John Hubbell (drums) all rounding out the band, the energy captured at these two shows is downright electric.
Live features six original songs and three genre-bending arrangements, including reworkings of Stephen Foster’s “Camptown Races,” “Kill The Beast” from the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast, and a medley of Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and Dave Matthews’ “Two Step.” We’re delighted to share the first four videos from the new album, with commentary on each one from the band!
“Circles”
“‘Circles’ is a groove tune that evolves out of a riff played by the saxophone that moves to the guitar. The melody played by the horns is inspired by words from the Robert Munsch book ‘Love You Forever’. The bass line in the end of the tune is the main theme slowed down.” – Dan White
“Anvil”
“‘Anvil’ has been the opener to a lot of Huntertones shows since we started playing it a year ago. The tune is based off of three melodic ideas and the horns carry a lot of the energy of the tune. Instead of just one soloist, the whole group improvises before landing together and featuring bassist Jeff Bass. It is a groove tune that pulls from many musical styles. As the group has evolved, we’ve embraced more group improvising. Each show is different and Huntertones’ Live captures the great energy between the musicians and the audience.” – Dan White
“Camptown Races”
“‘Camptown Races’ is a reimagination of the well known song written by Stephen Foster. Combining elements of hip hop, gospel, and classical music, this arrangement showcases Huntertones skill as well as soul. After a take on the melody by Lampley’s trumpet in a minor key, the band shifts into a classical style fugue setting up for a climactic trombone solo from Ott. Once the tune has reached its final peak the opening groove re-enters, this time to let keyboardist Theron Brown stretch out on a soulful feature that builds once more to an energetic finish.” – Chris Ott
“Hip Mr. Hampton”
“‘Hip Mr. Hampton’ shows off Huntertones unique trio format of saxophone, sousaphone and beatboxing. The song was originally inspired by a lick played by trombonist Slide Hampton, which can be heard in multiple keys and tempos throughout the arrangement. Weaving through time signatures and different styles, White, Lampley and Ott fuse their improvisations to create a one of a kind musical experience fueled by the energy of the crowd.” – Chris Ott
In support of the national release of Live, Huntertones will be touring throughout the remainder of the year. Check out the full schedule below!
Huntertones Summer & Fall 2016 Tour Dates
September 8, 2016 — Drom — New York, NY*
September 29, 2016 — Sofar Sounds — New York, NY
September 30, 2016 — Rockwood Music Hall — New York, NY — Official CD Release Show
October 7, 2016 — Blu Jazz — Akron, OH
October 10, 2016 — The Refectory — Columbus, OH
October 11 & 12, 2016 — Natalie’s Coal Fired Pizza & Live Music — Columbus, OH
October 14 & 15, 2016 — Andy’s Jazz Club — Chicago, IL
October 19, 2016 — We Always Swing Jazz Series — Columbia, MO
October 21, 2016 –The Jazz Kitchen — Indianapolis, IN
October 22, 2016 — Motr Pub — Cincinnati, OH
December 16 & 17, 2016 — The Rex — Toronto, ON
*Opening for Glenn David Andrews