Tuba Skinny: Reviving the Roots of American Music

As the Cornell Concert Series kicks off its 2024 season, music enthusiasts are in for a treat with the arrival of Tuba Skinny, a New Orleans-based band that promises to transport audiences back to the golden era of American Roots Music. With their unique blend of traditional jazz, blues, and Dixieland influences, Tuba Skinny is set to captivate the audience and showcase the rich tapestry of American musical heritage.

Unearthing the Essence of American Roots Music

Tracing the Roots of Tuba Skinny's Sound

Tuba Skinny's music is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of American Roots Music, a genre that encompasses a diverse array of musical styles, from the rural Southern blues to the Appalachian folk music influenced by Scottish and Irish traditions. This eclectic blend of cultural influences has given rise to a uniquely American sound, one that Tuba Skinny has masterfully captured and revived.At the heart of Tuba Skinny's sound lies the influence of Dixieland jazz, a style that emerged in the early 20th century in New Orleans. This vibrant and energetic form of jazz is characterized by its collective improvisation, where each musician in the band takes turns soloing, creating a lively and engaging musical conversation. Tuba Skinny's repertoire includes classic Dixieland tunes, such as "Going Back Home" and "Storyville Blues," which pay homage to this iconic musical tradition.

Bridging the Gap Between Roots and Americana

While Tuba Skinny's music is firmly grounded in the traditions of American Roots Music, the band's repertoire also reflects the evolution of this genre into the more contemporary Americana sound. Tracks like "Careless Love" and "Travelin' Blues" were later made famous by the jug and string bands of the 1960s, such as the Jim Kweskin Band and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, showcasing the seamless transition between the two musical styles.Tuba Skinny's newest album, "Magnolia Stroll," further demonstrates the band's ability to blend the traditional with the modern. While the album features all-original tunes, it still pays homage to the trad jazz style, blending the collective improvisation of Dixieland with a fresh and innovative approach.

Embracing the Eclectic Instrumentation of American Roots Music

One of the defining characteristics of American Roots Music is the eclectic mix of instruments that come together to create its distinctive sound. Tuba Skinny embodies this tradition, featuring a diverse array of instruments that reflect the diverse cultural influences that have shaped this genre.The band's lineup includes a bass drum-playing vocalist, a 6-string tenor banjo with West African and Dixieland roots, and a 5-string banjo that pays homage to Appalachian folk music. The rhythm section is anchored by the jug band-inspired one-man band, with the drummer wearing a drum, cymbals, and washboard strapped to his body. The string bass player also doubles on the tuba, drawing from the early Dixieland marching band tradition.Acoustic guitars of various shapes and strings abound, while the introduction of the electric guitar later on serves as a marker of the transition to the Americana sound. This eclectic mix of instruments not only reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped American Roots Music but also contributes to the rich and engaging soundscape that Tuba Skinny creates.

Bringing the Spirit of New Orleans to the Concert Stage

Tuba Skinny is a well-established band in the New Orleans music scene, known for their lively performances at street festivals, fairs, and small clubs. Translating the infectious energy and spirit of New Orleans to the concert stage, however, can be a challenge, as the formal setting of a venue like Bailey Hall may not be as conducive to the rambunctious and interactive nature of their music.Yet, the Cornell Concert Series has consistently challenged the traditional notion of the passive audience versus the formal performer, embracing culturally diverse ensembles and expanding the boundaries of what a concert hall program can look and sound like. By bringing Tuba Skinny to the stage, the series is once again pushing the envelope, inviting the audience to engage with the music in a more dynamic and immersive way.As Tuba Skinny takes the stage at Bailey Hall, music lovers can expect to be transported to the vibrant streets of New Orleans, where the collective improvisation and infectious energy of American Roots Music come alive. This performance promises to be a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that has shaped the American musical landscape, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.