Big Sam's Funky Nation June 1, 2007

If Sammie Williams, a.k.a. Big Sam, weren't such a great musician, he could easily be a lineman for the New Orleans Saints, but he prefers the front line of a New Orleans style brass funk band. Leading his band, Big Sam's Funky Nation,' he dazzles with the enormous power of his trombone. His fancy footwork and natural charisma get the crowd going like a touchdown in overtime. Topaz was formed in early 1998 by Austin-born saxophonist Topaz McGarrigle and downtown guitar guru Mark "Tewar" Tewarson. Topaz and Tewar gathered some of the best musicians in the NYC jazz and funk scene and embarked on a mission to bring progressive jazz back to the dancehall.