Brass-A-Holics

Biography

Brass-A-Holics is a dynamic New Orleans-based band founded in 2010 by trombonist Winston Turner, whose vision was to merge the city's iconic brass band tradition with the infectious rhythms of Washington D.C.'s go-go music. Turner, a graduate of St. Augustine High School and Southern University, drew on his extensive experience with groups like The Soul Rebels Brass Band and The Pinstripes Brass Band to create a new genre he dubbed 'Go-Go Brass Funk.'[1][3][5]

The ensemble features core New Orleans brass elements—trumpet, trombone, saxophone—augmented by a full drum set, percussion, keyboard, bass, and electric guitar, allowing for a rich, versatile sound that pushes the boundaries of both genres. Brass-A-Holics quickly became known for their electrifying live performances, blending original compositions with inventive covers of artists ranging from Miles Davis and John Coltrane to Nirvana and Kanye West. Their music is characterized by high-energy improvisation, melodic horn lines, and a rhythmic foundation rooted in both African and American traditions.[2][3]

Over the years, Brass-A-Holics has recorded live albums and mixtapes, including 'Word On The Street: The Live Video Album,' and has performed at major venues and festivals, leaving a lasting impact on the New Orleans music scene. Their innovative fusion of styles has inspired a new generation of musicians and contributed to the evolution of contemporary brass band music.[2][3]

Fun Facts

• The band was named 'Brass-A-Holics' after numerous discussions between Winston Turner and Tannon Williams, who have been friends since high school.[1]
• Brass-A-Holics is credited with creating the 'Go-Go Brass Funk' genre, a unique blend of New Orleans brass and D.C. go-go.[3][4]
• Their live shows often feature covers of artists as diverse as Miles Davis, Nirvana, Cyndi Lauper, and Kanye West, showcasing their versatility.[3]
• The band prefers the energy of a tuba over a bass guitar, which is unusual for brass bands and contributes to their distinctive sound.[1]

Members

• Robin Clabby
• Winston Turner - original
• Tannon "Fish" Williams

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Soul Rebels Brass Band - Winston Turner and Tannon Williams were members for 14 years, developing their musical style and performance skills. (Soul Rebels performances and recordings) [1990s-2010]
• St. Augustine High School Marching 100 - Turner received foundational training and mentorship in brass performance. (Marching band repertoire) [Early career]

Key Collaborators

• Tannon 'FisH' Williams - Co-founder, trumpet and vocals, helped develop the band's concept and name. (Brass-A-Holics albums and live shows) [2010-present]
• Matt Clark - Band member, contributes to the band's evolving sound. (Brass-A-Holics performances) [2010-present]
• Jason Slack - Band member, brings unique flavor to the ensemble. (Brass-A-Holics live sets) [2010-present]
• Keiko Komaki - Keyboardist, adds harmonic depth and color. (Brass-A-Holics recordings) [2010-present]
• Robin Clabby - Saxophonist, core member. (Brass-A-Holics shows) [2010-present]
• Ricky Ceasar - Band member, role in rhythm section. (Brass-A-Holics performances) [2010-present]
• Dwayne Muhammad - Percussionist, brings African rhythmic influence. (Brass-A-Holics live shows) [2010-present]

Artists Influenced

• Contemporary New Orleans brass musicians - Inspired by Brass-A-Holics' fusion of go-go and brass, younger bands have adopted similar cross-genre approaches. (Local brass band performances) [2010s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Outtaspace Connection (A Galactic Love Supreme)
2. Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Bar Room) Bounce (Mardi Gras in New Orleans (Bar Room) Bounce)
3. Alien Love Factory (I Am a Brass-a-Holic)
4. Can we talk Gogo Bounce (Can we talk Gogo Bounce)
5. True (Gogo Bounce) (True (Gogo Bounce))
6. Get It In (I Am a Brass-a-Holic)
7. A Good Night (I Am a Brass-a-Holic)
8. Let's stay together Smith) - GoGo Bounce (Let's stay together Smith) (GoGo Bounce))
9. No one in the World Gogo Bounce (No one in the World Gogo Bounce)
10. Runnin (I Am a Brass-a-Holic)

External Links

• Spotify
• MusicBrainz