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The Heavyweights Brass Band have built a reputation as Canada's reigning champions of feel-good horn music. Over the last decade they have toured extensively and shared the stage with Trombone Shorty, The Roots, Galactic ,and The Soul Rebels, among many others. Their unique style never fails to move any audience, and has earned them a loyal following from fans across all genres.
The secret to the Heavyweights reach can be found in the folk origins of jazz. Following in the footsteps of the originators, their music is shaped not only by their environment but by traditions dating back centuries, creating an alchemy which has universal appeal. Happily at home on stage with such diverse artists as Jane Bunnett, Jay Douglas, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Treme Brass Band, the Heavyweights roll with the punches and always deliver a knockout blow.
Their third full length album, This City, was recorded in New Orleans and features an abundance of Crescent City Talent, alongside a few perennial Heavyweights collaborators. Joe Lastie (Preservation Hall) and Ashlin Parker (Trumpet Mafia) light it upon the opening track, while the crafty Eugene Grant calls the shots. Roger Lewis (Dirty Dozen Brass Band) steps into wail, and Marla Dixon (Shotgun Jazz Band) leads the dance party down on the corner. Add to this Canada's reigning queen of jazz, blues and gospel Jackie Richardson and the iconic and legendary Kevin Breit on guitar, and you have a record which will knock your socks off.
Get Along
Splaka
Tell Me Something Good
The Heavyweights Brass Band hits hard with its seasoned blend of groove, energy, virtuosity, and originality! For over a decade, this Toronto-based, New Orleans-inspired brass institution has brought theatre-goers to their feet and club-goers to the dance floor with an inspiring blend of original music and unexpected covers. The decision is in and audience members across North America unanimously give the win to HWBB in a knockout!
Their music has been featured on film, commercials, radio, and television and they have performed and recorded with the best in the game from percussion legend Giovanni Hidalgo to NOLA legends Roger Lewis of the Dirty Dozen Brass band and Joe Lastie of Preservation Hall fame. Their extensive touring experience has given them the opportunity to share the stage with the likes of Trombone Shorty, The Roots, and The Soul Rebels, among many others.
In a genre typically represented by groups twice its size, this powerhouse quintet punches above its weight and always delivers the feel-good, let-loose energy that leaves audiences clamouring for one more song! Their fourth full-length album, Stir Crazy, features the high intensity New Orleans-style brass playing and virtuosity that has been a staple of the band since its inception. Put that alongside soulful and reflective grooves on tracks like “Feel Like Makin' Love” and “Black Hole Sun” and you ' ve got a smorgasbord of musical flavour. The album is punctuated by the tasteful use of studio production techniques that add even more depth to this remarkable creative statement. This is the kind of album you turn up, put on repeat, and then lose all sense of the passage of time!
The Heavyweights Brass Band are known for their collaborative efforts, and Stir Crazy is no different with Joel Visentin of JV's Boogaloo Squad joining the band on organ for “Sweet Pauly 's Boogaloo” and “Rehab”. Recorded during an intensive marathon of a three-day recording session at Union Sound Station from March 12 -14, 2020, Stir Crazy is the result of isolating as a band in the studio just prior to the pandemic stay-at-home orders being announced in the province of Ontario on March 17.
Members
John
Pittman
One of Toronto's busiest hornmen, John Pittman is in high demand as both a soloist and lead player on the jazz, commercial and salsa scenes because of his big sound, high energy and melodicism. Pittman is the winner of several awards including the Shirmer Prize and Raymond Wright Scholarship. While he considers the Heavyweights his home, Pittman can also be heard playing regularly with The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Conjunto Lacalu, The Lula All-Stars and the Yani Borrell Orchestra. In addition to performing, Pittman is a passionate educator who places a priority on developing the improvisational and creative skills of young musicians. He has served as an adjudicator, guest artist and clinician throughout Canada and the United States and currently teaches at The Sterling Hall School.
John
Pittman
One of Toronto's busiest hornmen, John Pittman is in high demand as both a soloist and lead player on the jazz, commercial and salsa scenes because of his big sound, high energy and melodicism. Pittman is the winner of several awards including the Shirmer Prize and Raymond Wright Scholarship. While he considers the Heavyweights his home, Pittman can also be heard playing regularly with The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Conjunto Lacalu, The Lula All-Stars and the Yani Borrell Orchestra. In addition to performing, Pittman is a passionate educator who places a priority on developing the improvisational and creative skills of young musicians. He has served as an adjudicator, guest artist and clinician throughout Canada and the United States and currently teaches at The Sterling Hall School.
John
Pittman
One of Toronto's busiest hornmen, John Pittman is in high demand as both a soloist and lead player on the jazz, commercial and salsa scenes because of his big sound, high energy and melodicism. Pittman is the winner of several awards including the Shirmer Prize and Raymond Wright Scholarship. While he considers the Heavyweights his home, Pittman can also be heard playing regularly with The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Conjunto Lacalu, The Lula All-Stars and the Yani Borrell Orchestra. In addition to performing, Pittman is a passionate educator who places a priority on developing the improvisational and creative skills of young musicians. He has served as an adjudicator, guest artist and clinician throughout Canada and the United States and currently teaches at The Sterling Hall School.