The Big Payback is an award-winning jazz-rock band featuring a smoking horn section and the “strong and sultry pipes” (Isthmus) of vocalist Leah Isabel Tirado. Mixing “ambitious original tunes that challenge even the most talented instrumentalists” (La Crosse Tribune) with classic covers and b-sides, the band’s live show never fails to get the crowd moving. The group has become known for their high-energy performances at Wisconsin concert venues and festivals ranging from the Majestic Theater to Atwoodfest and Summerfest.

In addition to their electric live show, the Payback’s original recordings have been called “profoundly innovative” (Max Ink). Animal Brain, the group’s second release, won the Madison Area Music Award (MAMA) for Jazz Album of the Year. The music covers a wide range of territory, from the energetic soul/pop of “Power to Let Go” to the MAMA-winning Rock Song of the Year “Running with the Fire.” 

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 MAMAs and established them as Madison’s “Jazz-Rock Orchestra.” 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. More recently, the Payback has been the host band for the annual RESPECT: A Celebration of Women in Music revue-style show at the Majestic Theater.

Nominated as one of Madison’s favorite “Dance Bands” by Isthmus readers, the band’s pool of talented musicians can also be heard performing with Phat Phunktion, Driveway Thriftdwellers, Grupo Candela, Automatic Lover, Los Chechos, and No Name String Band. In addition, The Payback proudly teaches, giving performances and masterclasses at schools and universities throughout the Midwest.

Payback is a party you won’t want to miss!