Musical Melting Pot
When I first saw the name “Dutty Moonshine Big Band“ and the accompanying picture of their 12-piece band, my mind immediately went to some combination of country, folk, and pop with the potential of some brass mixed in. At least I got the brass part right.
Their 2017 debut, Most Wanted, chronicled the early days of a 1930s gang of moonshine bootleggers making waves and taking names. The narrative is told through a mixture of keys, big band brass and swing music with more contemporary R&B, hip hop, and electronic music. Intriguingly enough, it is also loosely based on the band’s beginnings. Someday, I would love to hear more about how their roots were intertwined within the stories.
On City of Sin the beats are bigger, the flow is tighter, and emotions are at an all-time high. This is the next chapter in their next level Rock Opera concept that started with Most Wanted. Each album plays out like a season of Peaky Blinders with the songs acting as episodes. (I’m sure the British accents, character named Tommy, and story about a gang had NOTHING to do with that comparison... ) The twists and turns of the characters are thrilling. On top of the music, you’re drawn in to the lyrics to find out what happens next.
Dutty Moonshine Big Band’s combination of styles is unparalleled, and City of Sin pulls you into a musical time-warp that combines 2020 with the 1930s. With this group, there’s no ego; it’s all party.
I could tell you more, but I don’t want to ruin the twists and turns. The best thing I can do at this point is get out of the way and let you experience this music for yourself.
City of Sin releases to the masses this Friday, May 29th.
Tune in and Tune out,
-Josh
“Tommy & Loretta,“ the sprawling lead single from City of Sin, begins with a soothing piano that transitions into R&B bass grooves followed by the narrative flow of lead vocalist Maria Laveau.
The band recently released a lockdown video from their respective homes for “Arrest.“ Not only is the song a banger, but the band members seem like they’re a blast!
Bonus Track - Their live shows look INSANE! Once the world opens back up, I hope they make their way across the pond so we all get a chance to see them live! Until then, check out “Stick Up/Stick Up Remix“ (live from Bristol in 2018)
