Bonerama - New Orleans Brass Funk Rock


As an undergraduate, I was part of a trombone-centric jazz ensemble called "8th Position" (the trombone only has seven positions). We were inspired by and loosely based on the New Orleans group Bonerama. Our leader/founder transcribed some of their music for our use. While we only played once each year at our college's Jazz Fest, and only one song at that, Bonerama was already a wildly popular group with broad appeal. They play originals, covers and keep things exciting with the addition of electronics/pedals to the trombone. They have recorded 11 albums. Here they are on The Late Show with Dave Letterman and playing the Star Spangled Banner at the 2008 Sugar Bowl.



Bonerama
Their website says:

Bonerama has always been hailed as “unlike anything you’ve ever heard before”. It’s the best way to describe this 20 year old powerhouse touring band from New Orleans, LA. In addition to changing the way people think about the trombone, the sound of Bonerama has become an influence and contribution to the sound of New Orleans music today. With newer acts such as Trombone Shorty and Big Sam’s Funky Nation on the national music scene, it’s New Orleans that has benefited with a newfound reputation as being a bonafide “Trombone Town”. These bands all carry the trombone like the trophy it truly is in New Orleans. Bonerama helped cement this in present day New Orleans music culture.

Their members are:
Mark Mullins – Trombone / Lead Vocals
Craig Klein – Trombone / Lead Vocals
Greg Hicks – Trombone / Vocals
Bert Cotton – Guitar
Matt Perrine – Sousaphone / Electric Bass
Walter Lundy – Drums

Bonerama played a set on 3/26/08 at the Iowa City Yacht Club. Recordings are available on their website. Live shows are their bread and butter because of the sheer energy that a crowd adds.


Rocking Out
Did I mention the sheet music? Some of their originals are also available to buy as sheet music. This means parts for 4 trombones, guitar, organ, drum set, vocals, sousaphone/bass guitar, a full score and mp3s.

The trombone lends itself well to the rowdy Mardi Gras/second-line feel of New Orleans and Bonerama has capitalized on the party atmosphere the trombone can create.

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