About BassX
The Collective
Rooted in tradition. Pushing it forward.
BassX is a sousaphone-led New Orleans jazz collective founded by GRAMMY-nominated sousaphonist Julius McKee. Rooted in New Orleans jazz tradition, the ensemble reimagines New Orleans classics through a progressive lens while creating original music that pushes the tradition forward.
Drawing from the classic New Orleans ensemble, BassX redefines the role of the sousaphone not just as the foundation, but as the driving creative voice of the band. Equal parts rhythmic foundation, harmonic anchor, and melodic voice, the sousaphone is the "X" in BassX: the instrument through which the ensemble explores new possibilities within one of America's oldest musical traditions.
Operating as a collective, BassX collaborates with a rotating roster of exceptional New Orleans musicians, allowing each performance to reflect the depth and diversity of the city's musical community. BassX performs in jazz clubs, concert venues, festivals, special events, and educational settings throughout New Orleans and beyond.
Julius McKee
Founder. Bandleader. GRAMMY-Nominated Sousaphonist.
GRAMMY-nominated sousaphonist, educator, and bandleader Julius McKee has spent more than three decades performing at the forefront of New Orleans music. A longtime member of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tremé Brass Band, and Preservation Brass, he has helped carry one of the city's most celebrated musical traditions to audiences around the world.
Throughout his career, Julius has toured extensively across North America, Europe, South America, Asia, and the Middle East, appearing at legendary venues and festivals including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Madison Square Garden, Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, Fuji Rock Festival, Bonnaroo, and Preservation Hall. His performances have also included appearances and tours with Ray Charles, Norah Jones, Dr. John, Widespread Panic, The Black Crowes, and Gov't Mule, reflecting a career that bridges traditional New Orleans music with jazz, rock, and contemporary collaborations.
His recording credits span numerous acclaimed releases with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Tremé Brass Band, and Preservation Brass, culminating in a 2026 GRAMMY nomination for For Fat Man. Beyond the stage, Julius is dedicated to preserving and advancing New Orleans jazz through education, mentorship, and innovative performance, continually expanding the artistic possibilities of the sousaphone for a new generation of musicians.