One thing that always remains certain is that I, as a music fan, unabashedly appreciate a good brass section. The flair, flavor and flamboyancy they add to songs stand unmatched. If you partake in the world music and Latin funk/soul playground, it’s a good chance you’ll catch my attention. One such band I happily encountered this year, Jungle Fire, fits this bill. Coming across their brilliant ‘Tropicoso’ and self-titled albums, I was eager to learn more. At the center of their sophisticated sound is crucial contributor trumpeter Sean Billings. Beyond his great group work, you’d also be hard pressed to find another musician who’d say they’ve recorded with U2, Pitbull and Diana Krall and played with Celia Cruz at Madonna’s festive shindig.

I figured someone like this would have interesting stories to tell and luckily caught up with this fascinating musician earlier in the year at NAMM Show about his hypothetical teen dream fest with Metallica and military bands and Bono pulling up to check out his live show one night. During the late afternoon linkup, we also chatted about sharing stages with Gloria Trevi, Alejandra Guzman, Brian Setzer, Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Alicia Keys, funny interactions with David Foster and WTF moments with Celia Cruz playing Madonna’s party! Listen to the interview below, get tix to see Jungle Fire in 2026 HERE and listen to Sean’s dope solo discography on Bandcamp HERE!