Tank And The Bangas - Red Balloon (Deluxe) (2023) Hi-Res

New Orleans' musical melting pot tradition continues with Red Balloon, a kitchen sink record that stretches stylistically from doo-wop to '70s soul, hip hop to near jazz. While frontwoman Tarriona "Tank" Ball, along with Norman Spence (keyboards) Joshua Johnson (drums) and Albert Allenback (alto saxophone, flute) include new flavors like rapper Big Freedia and second-generation singers Lalah Hathaway and Alex Isley (daughters of Donny Hathaway and Ernie Isley, respectively), the group's heart lies in creating a Stevie Wonder/Earth Wind & Fire-influenced pop soul groove. Powerhouse live acts like this quartet can have trouble translating their onstage energy in recordings, but here with Ball's commanding delivery and the band's obvious chemistry, their exuberance shines through. Recorded at Bangaville Studios in New Orleans and Revival Studios in Los Angeles, the loud, overdriven sound is clearly aimed at reproducing some of their live show's impact. The recording opens with a twirling radio dial followed by a fast-talking intro from TV personality Wayne Brady before settling into the easygoing soul number "Mr. Bluebell," which is also the first appearance by guest Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews who's a welcome presence on the album. Shorty returns on the group's nod to one of their hometown's most beloved landmarks, "Cafe Du Monde" where "French Quarters in daytime/ That's my getaway time/ Oh, how the time flies at Cafe Du Monde." Allenback's alto saxophone comes into focus on "Heavy." And "Jellyfish," which opens with an intro from DJ Soul Sister, is another slice of slow '70s soul with layered Ball vocals.
Another guest, Questlove, introduces "Why Try" which grabs onto a jumpy "Shining Star"-styled vibe as Ball does her own best smooth soul imitation. The highpoint though is "Oak Tree" where she rhymes with conviction, supported by Allenback and Andrews, returning to a chorus of "You my oak tree you/ You my misbelieve/ You my collard green/ You the song I sing/ You the front porch/ You like a green lawn/ You like a sweet hello/ From my first love."