Biography
Germany's Mardi Gras BB operates as a high-energy collective steeped in jazz, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop while projecting a pronounced swampy New Orleans atmosphere. Fronted by the magnetic Doc Wenz, also known as Jochen Wenz, alongside Reverend Uli Jug—the onetime Grug Grug bassist who supplies sousaphone—the group took shape in the late '90s. Although the letters BB signify “big band,” the ensemble has assembled fresh lineups for every release. Its core membership features Wenz handling lead vocals and guitar, Uli Jug on sousaphone, Erwin Ditzner and Javier de la Poza covering drums and percussion, Robert Solomon and Uli Roser on trombone, Chris Bishop on trumpet, Andi Pompinsky doubling tenor sax and clarinet, Lomsch Le Mans on baritone sax, and DJ Mahmut on turntables. The outfit issued its first long-player, Alligatorsoup, in 1999 via Hazelwood Records; Universal Music then released Supersmell the following year. Zen Rodeo arrived in 2002, Heat in 2003, and 29 Moonglow in 2004. In 2005 the musicians scaled back to a trio for Introducing the Mighty Three, before returning with The Exile Itch in 2007.
Albums
Singles
