Former Dirty Dozen Brass Band trombonist/band leader Big Sam is a major force on New Orleans' famed nightlife scene thanks to his band Funky Nation's distinct blend of hip-hop, jazz, funk, rock and second-line that results in a heady brew of irrepressible party music. On "Shake Yo Thang," syncopated beats are punctuated by slinky horn blasts and nasty, blues guitar solos while chanted choruses encourage folks to get low and dirty on the dance floor. Big Sam's Funky Nation is an unsigned act, but an upcoming tour of Europe with Allen Toussaint and Elvis Costello could open some doors for one of the Big Easy's best-kept secrets.
