Last night, Tarriona “Tank” Ball—of Best New Artist Grammy nominees Tank and The Bangas—sang the National Anthem with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band ahead of the men’s NCAA Tournament final between Kansas and North Carolina. Watch/share the performance HERE.
In addition, Tank and her band are gearing up to release their third studio album, Red Balloon, on May 13 via Verve Forecast. The band’s previously released singles “Why Try” featuring Questlove, “Black Folk” featuring Alex Isley & Masego, “Stolen Fruit” and “No ID” continue to receive praise; Vibe proclaims, “[‘Black Folk’ is an] endearing ode to Black people, culture, and experiences, showcasing the most underrated moments of the neo-soul wave.” BET furthers, “Tarriona Ball’s commanding vocal presence gets alchemized on 'No ID,’ a disco-influenced number.”
Red Balloon was born out of a pandemic-ordered break from the band’s rigorous touring schedule. The hiatus gave the band space to breathe and double down on who they are as artists, allowing them to reunite as a more unified group. The new work has evolved and pushes the band to a new level, shedding light on their unique observations and songwriting reflecting on the ills of America while also celebrating the beauty of Black life.
Predominantly produced by Tank and the Bangas, the 16-track album was recorded at Bangaville Studios in New Orleans and Revival Studios in Los Angeles. Red Balloon also includes contributions from Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, Jamison Ross, The Hamiltones, Georgia Anne Muldrow and Wayne Brady.
Additionally, the group will continue their extensive run of tour dates with Big Freedia and Trombone Shorty. The tour includes performances at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl, New York’s Central Park Summerstage, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, DC’s 9:30 Club and more. Further 2022 dates will be announced soon, while the current tour routing can be found below.
New Orleans-based Tank and the Bangas rose to prominence in 2017 following their unanimous NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest victory. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to widespread critical praise. Last year, Tank and The Bangas released their EP Friend Goals, featuring CHIKA, Duckwrth and PJ Morton.
Throughout their career the group has performed on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Austin City Limits” and “TODAY.” Tank and The Bangas have toured non-stop, selling out venues both stateside and abroad including festival appearances at Coachella, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo and the Newport Jazz Festival.
Tank and The Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball (frontwoman, lead vocals), Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute), Joshua Johnson (drums) and Norman Spence (keys).
TANK AND THE BANGAS—RED BALLOON
1. Intro (featuring Wayne Brady)
2. Mr. Bluebell
3. Anxiety
4. Oak Tree
5. Communion In My Cup (featuring The Hamiltones)
6. Who’s In Charge
7. Why Try
8. No ID
9. Black Folk (featuring Alex Isley and Masego)
10. Café Du Monde (featuring Jamison Ross and Trombone Shorty)
11. Easy Goes It (featuring Lalah Hathaway)
12. Stolen Fruit
13. Big (featuring Big Freedia)
14. Heavy
15. Jellyfish
16. Where Do We Go (featuring Lalah Hathaway and Jacob Collier)
TANK AND THE BANGAS LIVE
April 7—Santa Ana, CA—The Observatory*
April 8—San Francisco, CA—August Hall*
April 9—San Jose, CA—The Ritz*
April 22—New Orleans, LA—French Quarter Fest*
April 30—New Orleans, LA—JazzFest*
June 10—Hampton Beach, NH—Hampton Beach Casino†
June 11—Boston, MA—Leader Bank Pavilion†
June 13—New York, NY—Central Park Summerstage†
June 14—Buffalo, NY—Artpark†
June 15—Toronto, CA—Massey Hall†
June 17—Providence, RI—Bold Point Park†
June 18—Vienna, VA—Wolftrap†
June 21—Cary, NC—Koka Booth Amphitheatre†
June 22—Atlanta, GA—Chastain Park†
June 24—Grand Rapids, MI—Meijer Gardens†
June 25—Detroit, M—Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre†
June 26—Chicago, IL—Ravinia†
June 28—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre†
June 29—Salt Lake City, MO—Red Butte Gardens†
July 1—Missoula, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater†
July 2—Seattle, WA—Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery†
July 3—Troutdale, OR—McMenamins Edgefield †
August 10—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl†
August 11—Saratoga, CA—Mountain Winery†
August 12—Saratoga, CA—Mountain Winery†
August 13—Santa Barbara, CA—Santa Barbara Bowl†
August 14—San Diego, CA—Rady Shell†
*w/ Big Freedia
†w/ Trombone Shorty
