Biography
Bonerama is a New Orleans-based brass funk rock band formed in 1998 by trombonists Mark Mullins and Craig Klein, both of whom played in Harry Connick Jr.'s big band from 1990 to 2006. The idea for the band emerged during a tour with Connick when Klein was inspired by a Cuban band featuring five trombones, leading them to create a New Orleans-style group centered on trombones, sousaphone, guitar, and drums. The initial lineup expanded to include additional trombonists like Steve Suter, Brian O'Neill, and Rick Trolsen, with sousaphone player Matt Perrine, guitarist Bert Cotton, and drummer Eric Bolivar, though members have rotated over time, including drummers like Stanton Moore and Russell Batiste.
Bonerama's musical style fuses brass band traditions with funk, rock, jazz, blues, gospel, soul, and even alternative rock covers such as Led Zeppelin's 'When The Levee Breaks' and Radiohead's 'Paranoid Android,' delivered with high-energy New Orleans attitude. They released their debut album Live at the Old Point in 2001, followed by Live from New York (2004), Bringing It Home (2007), Shake It Baby (2013), Hot Like Fire (2017), and Bonerama Plays Zeppelin (2019), among others. Notable performances include the national anthem at the 2008 Sugar Bowl, Late Night with David Letterman, and HBO’s Comic Relief in 2006, with a joint EP You're Not Alone with OK Go in 2008 to aid Hurricane Katrina victims.
Over 25 years, Bonerama has become a touring powerhouse, recognized as one of New Orleans' most unique and beloved acts, blending traditional Mardi Gras brass with modern genres to captivate global audiences from New York to Brazil.
Fun Facts
- Craig Klein got the idea for Bonerama after seeing a Cuban band with five trombones while touring with Harry Connick Jr. in New York.
- Trombonist Brian O'Neill died of a heart attack in December 2005 during a solo piano gig in New Orleans.
- Bonerama released a joint EP with OK Go in 2008 to raise funds for New Orleans musicians displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
- The band covered rock classics like 'Helter Skelter,' 'War Pigs,' and 'Paranoid Android' in their brass funk style.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Harry Connick Jr. - Band provided professional experience and touring platform that inspired Bonerama's formation (Harry Connick Jr.'s big band) [1990-2006]
Key Collaborators
- R.E.M. - Horn section contributions on recordings (Sierra Leone (All Stars) record) [2000s]
- OK Go - Joint EP release for Katrina relief; horn section work (You're Not Alone EP; OK Go records)
- Little Feat - Live and studio collaborations (Stage and studio performances) [2000s-2010s]
- George Porter Jr. - Live performances and collaborations (Stage appearances) [2000s-2010s]
- Ivan Neville - Live and studio collaborations (Stage and studio performances) [2000s-2010s]
- Galactic - Live and studio collaborations (Stage and studio performances) [2000s-2010s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Bonerama/ J Sansone/R Eckert has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.