Hot 8 Brass Band @ Liquid Room, Edinburgh, 11 Apr

The Hot 8 Brass Band arrive in Edinburgh this evening to a busy and excited crowd at The Liquid Room. Touring their new album, On the Spot, the group originally hail from New Orleans, and are a collection of trumpeters, saxophonists, percussionists and vocalists known for their extremely loud, high-energy performances.  

A cacophony of brass begins their set ahead of launching in to On the Spot opener 8 Kickin’ It Live. The sheer noise and energy is uplifting, although unfortunately the crowd takes a while to warm up and relax into the show. Their version of Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone swiftly follows, showing off the highly impressive musical talent of every artist on stage. The percussionist switches between drumming and trumpet, while other members take the spotlight continuously, for applause-deserving solos.

The band, famed for their covers of hip-hop, soul and funk classics, use these as the stars of the show. The crowd eagerly await Sexual Healing and it doesn’t disappoint. At points the relentlessness of Hot 8's penchant for covers feels a bit gimmicky, and versions of Snoop Dogg’s Who Am I (What’s my Name)? and The Specials' Ghost Town veer into a sort of strange karaoke territory. As the set progresses it becomes apparent that Hot 8 are bit of a novelty act.

As the lights go up and the Hot 8 assemble for the encore, there is something to be said for a reminder of the positive elements of US culture; the group – dressed in sunglasses, baseball caps and baggy jeans, with drawling accents – couldn’t be more American. The harmony of their brass and percussion gets everyone dancing: this combined with the range of characters on stage – and their entertaining dance moves – makes the show a feast for the senses that leaves the crowd with flushed cheeks, jumpers tied around their waists, ringing ears and happy faces.