JEFF WATKINS grew up in rural Missouri and was a student of the jazz program at the University of Missouri. For twelve years, this virtuoso saxophonist toured the world with James Brown. Jeff became an integral part of the show for James Brown, who introduced Jeff as “the ninth wonder of the world”. He stayed with James until JB’s death in 2006. His has since moved on to working with Joss Stone and countless others as well as enjoying a successful solo career. As an annual holiday homecoming for Jeff, this Thanksgiving Eve funk review has become a Columbia tradition that you don’t want to miss! I mean, just check out this clip from the Letterman show.

Jeff’s band for the night is an all star cast of Columbia’s finest!:

Starring Jeffery T. Watkins – saxophones
Aina Cook – lead vocals
Travis McFarlane – keys
Jason Caton – guitar
Jeff Mueller – bass
Travis Huff – trombone
John Shafer – trumpet
Bob Hague – alto sax

The “second line” has its roots in the traditional jazz funeral processions of New Orleans. Once the dearly departed was buried, the brass band would “cut the body loose” by playing uptempo, joyous music. As they marched, they would be joined by revelers who formed a line alongside and behind the band. This was known as the “second line.”

The Funky Butt Brass Band was created in 2008 by six musicians in St. Louis, MO to bring forth traditional New Orleans brass tunes with a funky new flavor in the style of the Dirty Dozen or Rebirth Brass Band. Don’t be surprised if you also hear a little Motown, Southern rock, blues and some straight-ahead ’70s funk. The Funky Butt Brass Band is guaranteed to get your toes tapping, your feet marching and kick any party into overdrive!

w/ Special Guest MANGOSTEEN

THUNDERCAT is the alter ego of virtuosic bassist/singer Stephen Bruner. The South Los Angeles-native has released two critically acclaimed full length albums on Brainfeeder Records since 2011, and last year saw the release of widely praised mini-album The Beyond/Where the Giants Roam. The album features appearances from the legendary Herbie Hancock, fellow Brainfeeder family members Kamasi Washington, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and Mono/Poly and production work from Brainfeeder head, Flying Lotus. 2015 also saw Thundercat make outstanding contributions to landmark albums by Kamasi Washington (The Epic) and Kendrick Lamar (To Pimp A Butterfly). His work on Lamar’s recently netted him his first Grammy.