Tuba Skinny—Jazz is alive and well

Walking though the French Quarter last weekend, I was blown away by the sweet sounds of old-timey jazz and blues from a group of buskers called Tuba Skinny. The band mates met playing in the streets five years ago, and became Tuba Skinny in spring 2009. I imagine the name is a play on New Orleans musicians Trombone Shorty and Tuba Fats.

The quality of Tuba Skinny's playing gave me the sense that they were channeling musicians from the 1920's and 30's. Each individual player had the look of a young urban hipster, however they are clearly old souls with exceptional musical abilities. Their desire to immerse themselves in early jazz made me fall in love with them.

The jazz tradition is alive and well. And don't forget to tip big!

Tuba Skinny II from Zac Nelson on Vimeo.

Tuba Skinny:
Erika Lewis - Vocals, Todd Burdick - Tuba, Kiowa Wells - Guitar, Shaye Cohn - Trumpet, Barnabus Jones- Trombone, Robin Rapuzzi - Washboard