Big Sam's Funky Nation
8-6-2017
If you were here for last year's show, you are probably still recovering from the energy and all around rockin' vibe that blew the roof off Ye Olde Bull Run.
Trombone powerhouse Big Sam Williams refuses to let an audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when Big Sam's Funky Nation takes the stage!
Ryan White, of the Oregonian, says the band is “tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!” This band is a driving force of urban funk, led by Big Sam, who was the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.”
The Funky Nation is a stellar group of world-class musicians who meet the challenges of their funky band leader. BSFN’s signature Noladelic Powerfunk sound masterfully combines a rock sensibility with improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that’s the hallmark of big band funk.
Big Sam powered-up the horn section on the critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated, “River in Reverse” and is prominently featured in "Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade" the concert tour DVD. While touring with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, in the Fall of 2006 and Summer of 2007, he earned consistent reviews as a musical force and star soloist. Big Sam has played with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, and Widespread Panic. He has also shared the stage with U2 and Green Day for the emotional and energetic re-opening of the Superdome which was broadcast live on Monday Night Football.
They are festival favorite across North America and their contagious tunes and memorable live performances have attracted fans far and wide, ranging from France, to the United Kingdom, to Greece, to Brazil & Canada.
BIG SAM WILLIAMS - Trombone & Vocals, ANDREW "DA PHESSAH" BAHAM - Trumpet & Vocals, ALFRED JORDAN - Drums, JERRY "JBLAKK" HENDERSON - Bass, KEENAN MCRAE - Guitar
"He's got the chops of Louis, the charisma of Dizzy, the oomph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and the understanding that it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing... and a whole lotta funk." - Rachel Levitin, WeLoveDC.com
“As long as groups like Big Sam's Funky Nation helm communal happenings like this one the funky fever is bound to spread.” - Aaron LaFont
If you were here for last year's show, you are probably still recovering from the energy and all around rockin' vibe that blew the roof off Ye Olde Bull Run.
Trombone powerhouse Big Sam Williams refuses to let an audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when Big Sam's Funky Nation takes the stage!
Ryan White, of the Oregonian, says the band is “tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!” This band is a driving force of urban funk, led by Big Sam, who was the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.”
The Funky Nation is a stellar group of world-class musicians who meet the challenges of their funky band leader. BSFN’s signature Noladelic Powerfunk sound masterfully combines a rock sensibility with improv-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that’s the hallmark of big band funk.
Big Sam powered-up the horn section on the critically acclaimed, Grammy nominated, “River in Reverse” and is prominently featured in "Hot as a Pistol, Keen as a Blade" the concert tour DVD. While touring with Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint, in the Fall of 2006 and Summer of 2007, he earned consistent reviews as a musical force and star soloist. Big Sam has played with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, and Widespread Panic. He has also shared the stage with U2 and Green Day for the emotional and energetic re-opening of the Superdome which was broadcast live on Monday Night Football.
They are festival favorite across North America and their contagious tunes and memorable live performances have attracted fans far and wide, ranging from France, to the United Kingdom, to Greece, to Brazil & Canada.
BIG SAM WILLIAMS - Trombone & Vocals, ANDREW "DA PHESSAH" BAHAM - Trumpet & Vocals, ALFRED JORDAN - Drums, JERRY "JBLAKK" HENDERSON - Bass, KEENAN MCRAE - Guitar
"He's got the chops of Louis, the charisma of Dizzy, the oomph of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and the understanding that it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing... and a whole lotta funk." - Rachel Levitin, WeLoveDC.com
“As long as groups like Big Sam's Funky Nation helm communal happenings like this one the funky fever is bound to spread.” - Aaron LaFont