On a Wednesday night at the Jazz Playhouse inside of the Royal Sonesta, you’d find Big Sam Williams and his band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, grooving it out to a packed house. The award-winning band’s unique New Orleans funk style has been the beating heart of the local music scene for years.
And it almost never happened.
While in middle school, Williams was not allowed to join the basketball team because of the big size difference he had from his classmates. So, instead of sports, he turned to music. Since marching bands are extremely popular in New Orleans, he decided to join the band. The band director asked him what he wanted to play. Since no one else wanted to learn the trombone, Williams picked that instrument.
In high school, Williams realized that playing the trombone was what he wanted to do with the rest of his life. During those years, and while enrolled in the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), his mother bought him a Dirty Dozen Brass Band CD and he immediately fell in love with the sound – even promising himself one day that he was going to play for that band.
Four years later, at the age of 19, he was. After high school, and while playing with the Stooges Brass Band, he had the opportunity to play for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and jumped at the chance. He toured with the DDBB for about a year and played with James Brown, The Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, and more.
In 2006, he found himself as the lead trombone player for Elvis Costello and Allen Toussaint on the Grammy-nominated album, ‘The River in Reverse‘, and the tour that followed the release.
But it was grueling being on the road for over 300 days a year and Williams decided to turn his full attention on his own band, Big Sam’s Funky Nation. The band has gone on to win numerous awards around New Orleans for the ‘Best Funk/R&B band‘ in various reader polls, and in 2016 was awarded the ‘Best New Orleans Band‘ by Where Y’at magazine.
You can also find Williams in a reoccurring role in the critically acclaimed HBO series Treme. It’s not widely known, but actor Wendell Pierces’ character, Antoine Batiste, is modeled after Big Sam with the look he had at that time.
You’ll still find Big Sam with his Kangol hat and the Funky Nation grooving to their funk, rock, brass band, jazz, and dance style throughout New Orleans. Over 15-years later, they are still stronger than ever and one of the most sought after music groups to see in New Orleans. In May of 2020, they released the single No More Shakes, and are working on a new full-length album.
It’s always a party when Big Sam Williams is around and you know it’s about to get funky.
[photo credit: Willow Haley]
Who makes the best red beans and rice?
My grandma, wife, and mother-in-law! The BEST!
When did you learn to make red beans and rice?
I learned how to make red beans and rice from my mom when I was 13 years old. She’s no longer with us, so that’s why I can’t say that hers is the best, but my grandma taught her, so that also explains why mine is so good!
What do red beans and rice mean to you?
It means it’s Monday and it’s about to get Funky!
Are there any special memories that are brought up when you think back on it?
Yea… Pre-Katrina, Donna’s bar and grill on Rampart used to have Free Red Beans and Rice on Monday nights. You would have cats like Bob French performing and the whole night was just a vibe.
Do you only eat red beans and rice on a Monday?
Nah… I eat it whenever! As long as it’s looking and smelling good, I’m eating it! #bigsamcaneat
What’s your process for cooking a pot of red beans?
Awww man… I can’t give out family secrets, but I’ll tell you a few steps… soak your beans overnight, preferably Camellia Beans, trinity, pickled meat, sausage, bay leaves, and that’s all I’ll say right now lol. You want them nice and creamy.
What do you serve with your red beans and rice?
Meats: Fried Chicken, Fried Pork Chops, and/or Andouille Sausage. Sometimes fried catfish.
Did you have any projects that you’d like to pass along?
Yea… I released a single called “No More Shakes” back in May. I’m also working on a new album as we speak, so be on the lookout for it.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VUJ55GSDd4[/embedyt]
To stay up-to-date on Sam Williams and Big Sam’s Funky Nation, you can follow him on any of the following social media links below. If you’re in New Orleans, make sure you find out where he is playing. He’s one of New Orleans’ music treasures and a great person.
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Eric Olsson is the food blogger of RedBeansAndEric.com. He publishes new recipes and interviews weekly. He has developed recipes and written articles for the famous Camellia brand in New Orleans, Louisiana. He has been mentioned in Louisiana Cookin‘ magazine and has had recipes featured in Taste of Home magazine – with his Creole Turkey recipe being runner up in their annual Thanksgiving recipe contest. He lives outside of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife and four children.
Charlotte Bloom
NOLA native. Saw Big Sam in Birmingham and fell in love! Thanks for sharing your conversation. My Red Beans should include pickled meat, but I can’t find it here. Big Sad.
Red Beans and Eric
Hi, Charlotte! Big Sam puts on an amazing show. Pickled meat is hard to find outside of NOLA but there are some recipes out there. I’ll be sharing one soon. It’s easier to make than you think. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!