The Big Payback is an award winning jazz-rock band featuring the soulful vocals of Leah Isabel Tirado and a smoking horn section. Mixing “ambitious original tunes that challenge even the most talented instrumentalists” (La Crosse Tribune) with classic covers, the band’s live show never fails to get the crowd moving. Nominated as one of Madison’s favorite “Dance Bands” by Isthmus readers in 2016, Payback is a party you won’t want to miss. Animal Brain, the band’s long-awaited second full-length album, will be released on November 18. The music covers a wide range of territory, from the energetic soul/pop of “Power to Let Go” to the monolithic jazz-rock instrumental “Mauna Ulu.” The record contains original material by guitarist Kyle Rightley, as well as an up-tempo rendition of the Jimi Hendrix classic “Crosstown Traffic.” Put together, the album’s twelve tracks explore the ever-changing emotions and animal instincts that govern the human brain. Listeners are treated to some of the Midwest’s finest musicians. The Payback’s four-piece horn section features prominently throughout Animal Brain. Playing together, they form one cohesive voice. At other times, skillful solos from saxophonist Tony Barba, trumpeter Eric Siereveld, and trombonist Jamie Kember take the spotlight. The commanding yet sensitive vocals of Leah Tirado provide a human grounding. The band’s award-winning rhythm section, anchored by drummer Joey B. Banks and bassist Jeff Weiss, holds it all together. The Big Payback burst onto the Madison music scene by winning Isthmus’ Band to Band Combat in 2011. That same year, they released their debut album Overture, which won three Madison Area Music Awards (MAMAs) and established them as Madison’s “Jazz-Rock Orchestra.” The Payback won MAMA awards for Best Jazz Performer in 2015 and 2016. Taking their name from the classic James Brown song, the band shared the stage with original J.B.s members Clyde Stubblefield, “Jabo” Starks, Fred Thomas, and Fred Wesley for a 2015 performance at MadCity Sessions. The following year, the group played the prestigious Briggs & Stratton stage at Summerfest, the World’s Largest Music Festival. Their infectious sound and high-energy show have made them a tried-and-true favorite at Madison venues such as the Majestic Theatre, Overture Hall, and Jazz at 5. The band’s pool of talented musicians can also be heard performing with Youngblood Brass Band, Harmonious Wail, Steely Dane, Gabe Burdulis Trio, Driveway Thriftdwellers, Grupo Candela, Immigré and Vic Ferrari’s Symphony on the Rocks. In addition, The Payback proudly teaches, giving performances and masterclasses at schools and universities throughout the Midwest.