Biography

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band mixes uplifting lyrics, powerful horns, thick thumps, and high energy to create what band members refer to as "Bounce" music. Now You Know is the 15-song, debut studio release from the Booty Band, released in March 2007.

Having fun and feeling good are self-proclaimed philosophies of this seven-piece band from Asheville, North Carolina. Colorful costumes and an interactive stage show are also part of the reason a big buzz is developing among fans and critics around the country.

Able to play a variety of instruments, Booty Band members keep things fresh by moving about the stage, switching instruments, and taking turns with vocal duties. And while having two lead-guitars in the mix can often be challenging, the Booty Band pulls it off with style.

With solid solos and a bottomless bag of funk, John-Paul Miller's guitar and bass licks intertwine with guitarist Grady Gilbert's raw, down-home tones, which draw from his Mississippi roots. Vocally, Joshua Phillips keeps it simple and steady, while also playing guitar and percussion. Drummer Ric Bennett, a powerhouse on the kit, lays down rhythm alongside Al Al Ingram, the band's captivating bass player who looks like a comic book hero come to life. Rounding out the ensemble, and providing a decadent layer of satisfaction, are saxophonist Greg Hollowell, whose powerful accents and inspiring improvisations complement with trombonist Derrick Johnson, who fattens the mix with thick melodies and cool solos.

The Booty Band's influences and sound cut across genres and break through borders. On stage, the band pulls out covers from diverse acts such as Galactic, Miles Davis and Beastie Boys, providing a fresh alternative to the oh-so-serious music scene. Audience members respond in kind, and shows take on a feel good atmosphere, turning an average evening into a night to remember.

The band's legendary "Booty Band Dance Pole" is also a concert favorite, allowing fans a chance to grab the spotlight by showing off their best moves upon an illuminated platform with a six-foot brass dance pole.

Throughout four years of touring, the Booty Band has played with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, George Clinton and P-Funk, Cadillac Jones, Sidney Barnes, Soular System, Barefoot Manner, Laura Reed and Deep Pocket, Hope Massive, and Delta Nove. Quickly becoming festival favorites, the Booty Band has standing invites at Down on the Farm in Florida, the GrassRoots festival at Shakori Hills and New York, LEAF festival, Jam Cruise, Wakarusa, SmileFest at DeerFields and Bele Chere in North Carolina.

Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band is dropping jaws and increasing draws as it spreads its festive stage show throughout the land. They love seeing new faces and captivate crowds of all shapes, sizes and shades, who ultimately come together to bounce as one.