big 6 brass band

Biography

The Big 6 Brass Band formed in 2017 in New Orleans' Sixth Ward, starting as a six-member ensemble featuring trumpeter Eric Gordon, trombonist Lamar Heard, tuba player Clifton Smith, snare drummer Pierre Carter, bass drummer Thaddeus Ramsey, and cowbell percussionist Chris Tero. They began playing jam sessions at Josie’s Playhouse, quickly gaining popularity in the second line community with high-energy covers of hit songs like SZA’s “The Weekend,” Michael Jackson, and Fantasia, alongside traditional brass band tunes such as “Red Dress” and “Lilly of the Valley.”[1][2] As demand grew, the band expanded to include additional members like trombonist Dwayne Finnie, trumpeters Chris Cotton and Chadrick Honore, and saxophonist Utopia Francis, evolving beyond its original numerical name to represent a communitarian spirit while all members hail from the Sixth Ward.[1]

Big 6 Brass Band blends brass band traditions with contemporary genres including funk, R&B, hip hop, jazz, and classical, earning them the nickname 'radio band' for their versatile covers but marking a shift with original compositions on their self-titled debut album Big Six, released June 24, 2019. Tracks like “The Mind,” “Haters,” “Go Down,” and “On the Run” showcase their confident, party-ready sound reflective of modern New Orleans brass music.[1][2] They maintain strong ties to their roots, frequently performing at Josie’s Playhouse and venues like Tremaine Hideaway and the Jump Off Lounge, even as they play larger festivals.[1][6]

The band's roster draws from experienced musicians, including alumni of prominent New Orleans brass bands, positioning them as vanguard innovators in the scene while honoring its history. Their mixtape circulated widely in the second line community, solidifying their dominance shortly after formation.[2]

Fun Facts

• All members of Big 6 Brass Band hail from New Orleans' Sixth Ward, giving the name a communitarian meaning despite expanding beyond six players.[1]
• They earned the nickname 'radio band' for covering contemporary hits like SZA’s “The Weekend,” but their debut album Big Six features originals to establish their creative voice.[1][2]
• The band still delivers their most energetic shows at Josie’s Playhouse, their original starting venue from 2017.[1][6]
• Their mixtape quickly dominated the second line community with covers and traditional tunes shortly after forming in 2017.[2]

Musical Connections

Key Collaborators

• Eric Gordon - original trumpeter and founding member (Big Six album, second line performances) [2017-present]
• Lamar Heard - original trombonist and founding member (Big Six album, Josie’s Playhouse jams) [2017-present]
• Clifton Smith - original tuba player and founding member (Big Six album) [2017-present]
• Pierre Carter - original snare drummer and founding member (Big Six album) [2017-present]
• Thaddeus Ramsey - original bass drummer and founding member (Big Six album) [2017-present]
• Chris Tero - original cowbell percussionist and founding member (Big Six album) [2017-present]
• Dwayne Finnie - trombonist, former Hot 8 Brass Band member, music producer and teacher (Big Six album) [post-2017]
• Chadrick Honore - trumpeter, GRAMMY-award winner who performs with Rebirth Brass Band (Big Six album) [post-2017]
• Chris Cotton - trumpeter (Big Six album) [post-2017]
• Utopia Francis - saxophonist (Big Six album) [post-2017]

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz