Heavy Tuba was founded by the Upper Austrian band leader Heimo Schmid in 1993. The musicians are from the Upper Austrian and international jazz scene.
Three tubas, four euphoniums, doubling at times on trombone, as well as a rhythm section of five contributes to the special untraditional sound.
The band cooperated with tuba soloists Jon Sass (USA), Howard Johnson (USA), Roland Szentpali (HU), Joe Daley (USA), Tuba Joe Exley (USA), Adrian Mears trb. (AUS), Antti Rissanen euph./trb. (FIN).
Dorretta Carter, the charismatic British vocalist with Jamaican roots, has been a member of the ensemble since 1997. Heavy Tuba combines classic, jazz, rock, funk and soul and cannot be compared to any other groups. The band presents the variety of modern Tuba and Euphonium playing.
It’s fascinating music for those, who are interested in special sounds. International critics praise the band both as Tuba Ensemble and Low Brass Ensemble.
Apart from concerts in Austria Heavy Tuba has also taken part
Stainz Open (A)- Woodstock Revival Festival – as support for Alvin Lee
Jazzfestival Vilshofen (GER)- as support for James Brown
Tuba Festival Stadl-Paura (A), Jazzfestival Saalfelden (A)
Jazzfestival Montreux (CH), Juvavum Brass Festival (A)
Elojazz & Blues Festival Oulu (FIN), ITEC Lahti (FIN), ITEC Linz (A)
Jazzfestival Maribor (SLO), Paradox Tilburg (NL),
Imatra Big Band Festival (FIN) ….
