Huntertones – Transmission (2026)

Emerging from the vibrant New York jazz and funk scene, the Huntertones have unveiled their sixth studio album, Transmission, in 2026. Marking a significant milestone since their genesis as the Dan White Band at Ohio State University in 2014, this release underscores the ensemble’s evolution into a powerhouse funk-soul outfit, frequently compared to the legendary Tower of Power for their robust horn-driven sound.

Transmission was crafted with an emphasis on live performance energy, captured entirely in a single room without overdubs. This recording approach preserves the immediacy and raw interplay among the six members: Dan White on tenor and baritone saxophones, Jon Lampley handling trumpet and sousaphone, Chris Ott on trombone and conch shells, Joshua Hill playing electric guitar, Adam DeAscentis on electric bass, and John Hubbell on drums. The album's production brings forward the band’s ability to navigate complex arrangements while maintaining infectious grooves.

The project features eight original compositions by the band, complemented by two carefully chosen covers. Vocal contributions from acclaimed artists Rachael Price of Lake Street Dive and jazz vocalist Kurt Elling add layers of texture and emotional depth, spotlighting the group’s collaborative spirit. Price’s interpretation of Bonnie Raitt’s “Thank You” and Elling’s rendition of Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman” both serve as standout moments, offering fresh perspectives on well-known songs.

Central to Transmission is the band’s exploration of dynamic contrasts—juxtaposing rugged and smooth tonalities, loud and soft passages, as well as tension and release within their arrangements. The opening track, “Valley Bee,” exemplifies this philosophy with its assertive horn lines and a rhythm section that drives a gritty, danceable foundation. Chris Ott’s compositions such as “Melodian” and “Efoa” further illustrate the group's versatility, blending reggae influences and melodic horn unisons with spirited solos.

The album’s textural diversity continues with tracks like “Snaggletooth,” where funk rhythms underpin intricate horn movements, and “Messenger,” which challenges the band with dense horn charts and shifting melodic directions. Guitarist Joshua Hill’s contributions, notably “Transmission of the Lamps,” introduce reflective and hypnotic soundscapes that depart from the album’s more vigorous moments, showcasing the group’s adaptability.

Percussionist Negah Santos also enriches the album’s rhythmic complexity, featuring on six tracks and complementing the core ensemble’s groove. Keyboardist Justin Stanton joins on “Wichita Lineman,” enhancing Elling’s vocal delivery with inventive arrangements that amplify the emotional undercurrents of the classic tune.

Transmission closes with “Fixins,” a composition by Lampley that channels southern soul influences, with blues-inflected guitar work and expressive trombone techniques that evoke a warm, down-home atmosphere. This final track encapsulates the Huntertones’ ability to balance their signature funk-soul energy with nuanced stylistic shifts.

Throughout Transmission, the Huntertones demonstrate a commitment to musical evolution, refusing to remain confined within a single stylistic identity. Their skillful integration of varied textures, tempos, and collaborative voices contributes to an album that feels both cohesive and refreshingly unpredictable. As exystence.net notes, the group’s determination to vary their sound keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

Having built a reputation through collaborations with renowned artists such as Jon Batiste, Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Snarky Puppy, and Lake Street Dive, the Huntertones continue to solidify their standing as one of the most dynamic ensembles in contemporary funk and soul. Transmission not only captures their live vigor but also highlights their compositional sophistication and willingness to push boundaries.

Details regarding touring plans or additional promotional activities related to Transmission remain limited at this time. However, the album itself confirms the Huntertones’ status as a leading force in modern groove-based jazz and funk music, offering a compelling listening experience that honors tradition while forging new creative paths.