Even though there's more than 500 miles between Columbus, OH and New York City, the roots of Huntertones and the rapid pace its band members have skyrocketed into the national spotlight, there's a seamless musical bond between the two cities for the emerging ensemble. With pianist Theron Brown -- who depicted a young Herbie Hancock in the 2015 film, Miles Ahead (Directed By & Starring Don Cheadle) -- residing in Akron, OH, and Brooklyn-based trumpeter Jon Lampley appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert as a member of Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Huntertones put it all on the table with their sophomore recording, Live (Release Date: September 30, 2016). Interviews and hi-res JPGs are available upon request.
Some of the best jazz recordings of all time were recorded live. Whether it's John Coltrane's Impressions (Village Vanguard; 1961), Miles Davis' Four & More (Philharmonic Hall of Lincoln Center; 1964) or countless others; the energy between the live musicians and the crowd is undeniable. Huntertones take to the stage for the band's first full-length recording following the Fall 2015 release of their self-titled debut EP.
Recorded at two venues crucial to Huntertones' bustling career, Natalie's (Columbus, OH) and Blu Jazz (Akron, OH), Lampley and Brown are joined by a stellar band lineup on Live, including Dan White (saxophone), Chris Ott (trombone, beatbox), Joshua Hill (guitar), Jeff Bass (bass), Adam DeAscentis (bass), and John Hubbell (drums). Live features six original compositions, and three genre-bending arrangements of Stephen Foster's "Camptown Races," a medley of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" and Dave Matthews' "Two Step," and "Kill The Beast" from the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast.
While feeding off of the hometown crowds at two notable Ohio venues, Ott deconstructs a riff of "Camptown Races" to create an entirely new work that combines classical elements with hip hop, and closes with a beautifully evolving solo by Brown. "Sweatin'" is a party that starts on the stage and spills into the audience lead by Lampley on the sousaphone. White's beautiful arrangement of Young's "Heart of Gold" and Matthews' "Two Step" builds to a soaring finish by guitarist Hill. During "Hip Mr. Hampton," the band breaks down into their signature, unconventional trio of sousaphone, saxophone, and beatboxing. From beginning to end, Huntertones deliver brilliant performances on Live culled from inspired improvisation and adventurous compositions melding jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, R&B, and rock.
From the band's early days performing ruckus house parties at their Hunter Avenue apartment at The Ohio State University (hence the name, Huntertones) to collaborating with acts such as Snarky Puppy, O.A.R., Red Baraat, Allen Stone, and Gary Clark Jr., Huntertones are making waves on the New York City music scene. Live wholeheartedly captures the band in its element giving fans a front row seat to what this explosive horn-led ensemble does best: perform live!
Huntertones started 2016 with a month-long tour of North America, South America, and Africa through the American Music Abroad program. The band was selected by the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs to engage international audiences, students, and artists from around the globe. Out of 240 applicants, only 10 ensembles participated in American Music Abroad. From August 18 - 29, 2016, Huntertones head to Tbilisi, Georgia for additional clinics, and to perform at One Caucasus Festival.
In support of the national release of Live, Huntertones tour in select markets this summer and fall. Please see all of Huntertones forthcoming concerts listed below:
Huntertones Fall 2016 Tour Dates:
September 30, 2016 -- Rockwood Music Hall -- New York, NY -- Official CD Release Show
October 7, 2016 -- Blu Jazz -- Akron, OH
October 9, 2016 -- Dorian Books -- Youngstown, OH
October 10, 2016 -- The Refectory -- Columbus, OH
October 11 & 12, 2016 -- Natalie's Coal Fired Pizza & Live Music -- Columbus, OH
October 14 & 15, 2016 -- Andy's Jazz Club -- Chicago, IL
October 16, 2016 -- Dakota Jazz Club -- Minneapolis, MN
October 19, 2016 -- We Always Swing Jazz Series -- Columbia, MO
October 20, 2016 -- The Washington -- Burlington, IA
October 21, 2016 --The Jazz Kitchen -- Indianapolis, IN
October 22, 2016 -- Motr Pub -- Cincinnati, OH
December 16 & 17, 2016 -- The Rex -- Toronto, ON
