LowDown Brass Band

Anyone hearing the LowDown Brass Band for the first time will quickly understand why this Chicago-based group has been building such a loyal fan base for years. The seven musicians blend the energy of a brass band with hip-hop, soul, reggae, funk, and jazz to create a sound that’s as danceable as it is unique. The result is a musical style deeply rooted in Chicago’s culture that has consciously broken away from classical influences.

The band was founded back in 2003. Initially, it drew heavily on the famous brass band traditions of New Orleans. But over the years, LowDown developed its own approach. “We wanted to write music that better represents our city and more authentically reflects who we are,” explains singer and trumpeter Shane Jonas. So the band opened itself up to influences from hip-hop, disco, gospel, R&B, ska, and reggae. In particular, the addition of MC Anthony “Billa Camp” Evora in 2013 marked a turning point. The songs became more accessible, modern, and at the same time even more versatile.

Today, LowDown Brass Band is considered one of the most exciting all-horn ensembles in North America. Instead of guitars or keyboards, the focus is exclusively on brass instruments, the sousaphone, drums, and vocals. The result is powerful, immediate, and full of energy. Jonas describes the band in a single word: “Epic.” In fact, many of their pieces possess a grandeur and power that go far beyond what one would expect from a classic brass band.

The group has also set an impressive pace on record in recent years. With the albums “The Reel Sessions,” “LowDown Nights,” and “$itizens of the World,” they have continuously evolved their style. Singles like “Call Me,” a sun-drenched blend of soul and jazz, or the club-ready “Take Me Away” showcase their enormous stylistic range. Their music has even found its way into the Hulu series *Cruel Summer* as well as the Nintendo Switch game *Super Crazy Rhythm Castle*.

But it’s especially in live performances that LowDown Brass Band truly unleashes its full power. The group is almost constantly on tour and has already played at renowned festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, and the Chicago Jazz Fest. At concerts, an atmosphere regularly develops that the band itself sees as a communal experience. “We hope people will dance and get to know the people next to them,” says Jonas. “It’s about love, togetherness, and celebrating life through music and dance.”

You can feel this spirit in every minute of their shows: high energy, rousing brass sections, and a positive vibe that gets entire venues moving. With more than a million Spotify streams, international tours, and an ever-growing presence, the LowDown Brass Band has long been considered one of the most extraordinary acts in modern brass music. You can see for yourself this fall when the LowDown Brass Band comes to Germany for four concerts.