Hailing as the 2020 Best New Artist GRAMMY Nominees, Tank and The Bangas release their third studio album, RED BALLOON, on May 13 via Verve Forecast and it will be available on all streaming platforms.
My first introduction to this homegrown New Orleans band came in 2016 when Tank and the Bangas gave me a glorious awakening as they shared their musical journey with the press at the Essence Festival.
While dawned in rhythmic and colorful attire, each band member, along with lead songstress, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, gave us an acapella impromptu snippet of their music and body instrumentation that lit up the stage like magic. Our bodies were poppin’ with joy as the vibe became electric. And that’s how you know a band is one to watch. To see how far they’ve come in this music business is remarkable and a testament to the greatness that lies ahead for them in this industry.
The RED BALLOON project developed during the infamous pandemic era, and it is an absolute pleasure to behold. Featured guests include Lalah Hathaway, Big Freedia, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, Jamison Ross, The Hamiltones, Georgia Anne Muldrow, and Wayne Brady.
Some of my favorites from the album thus far are “Why Try,” which represents a funky good time as Tank’s voice flows like water over the melody. “No ID” and “Cafe Du Monde” make me wanna take a day off from work and reward myself with a self-care moment or mini road trip. The entire album is a must-play from beginning to end.
Check out Tank and The Bangas RED BALLOON when it releases this Friday, May 13. And better yet, experiencing the band up close in person is even better. Tour dates are available to watch them make your heart come alive in a city near you.
TANK AND THE BANGAS—RED BALLOON
1. Intro (featuring Wayne Brady)
2. Mr. Bluebell
3. Anxiety
4. Oak Tree
5. Communion In My Cup (featuring The Hamiltones)
6. Who’s In Charge
7. Why Try
8. No ID
9. Black Folk (featuring Alex Isley and Masego)
10. Café Du Monde (featuring Jamison Ross and Trombone Shorty)
11. Easy Goes It (featuring Lalah Hathaway)
12. Stolen Fruit
13. Big (featuring Big Freedia)
14. Heavy
15. Jellyfish
16. Where Do We Go (featuring Lalah Hathaway and Jacob Collier)
TANK AND THE BANGAS LIVE
April 22 /// New Orleans, LA /// French Quarter Fest*
April 30 /// New Orleans, LA /// JazzFest*
May 5 /// New Orleans, LA /// Tipitina’s
June 10 /// Hampton Beach, NH /// Hampton Beach Casino†
June 11 /// Boston, MA /// Leader Bank Pavilion†
June 13 /// New York, NY /// Central Park Summerstage†
June 14 /// Buffalo, NY /// Artpark†
June 15 /// Toronto, CA /// Massey Hall†
June 17 /// Providence, RI /// Bold Point Park†
June 18 /// Vienna, VA /// Wolftrap†
June 21 /// Cary, NC /// Koka Booth Amphitheatre†
June 22 /// Atlanta, GA /// Chastain Park†
June 24 /// Grand Rapids, MI /// Meijer Gardens†
June 25 /// Detroit, M /// Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre†
June 26 /// Chicago, IL /// Ravinia†
June 28 /// Denver, CO /// Red Rocks Amphitheatre†
June 29 /// Salt Lake City, MO /// Red Butte Gardens†
July 1 /// Missoula, MT /// Kettlehouse Amphitheater†
July 2 /// Seattle, WA /// Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery†
July 3 /// Troutdale, OR /// McMenamins Edgefield †
August 10 /// Los Angeles, CA /// Hollywood Bowl†
August 11 /// Saratoga, CA /// Mountain Winery†
August 12 /// Saratoga, CA /// Mountain Winery†
August 13 /// Santa Barbara, CA /// Santa Barbara Bowl†
August 14 /// San Diego, CA /// Rady Shell†
*w/ Big Freedia
†w/ Trombone Shorty
