TRUSSEL Returns After 50 Years with a Timely New Single

"How Many Tricks in 2026" Revisits a Message That Began During America's Bicentennial

Rchmond, Virginia — Fifty years after recording one of the most unusual political songs of the Bicentennial era, the legendary Virginia State University band TRUSSEL has returned with a powerful new recording, "How Many Tricks in 2026. The new release is more than a remake—it is a continuation of a conversation the band began in 1976.

While America celebrates its 250th anniversary, TRUSSEL asks a simple question: Have we really learned anything in the last fifty years?

The song reflects on political deception, corruption, economic inequality, dirty tricks, revenge politics, and the continuing struggle for justice. Although inspired by today's headlines, its roots go back to the group's original recording, "How Many Tricks in 1976," released during America's Bicentennial.

A Story Fifty Years in the Making

Before signing a major recording contract, TRUSSEL was one of the premier bands on the HBCU college circuit during the 1970s. The Virginia State University music majors earned a reputation performing alongside many of the era's top college funk bands, including The Commodores, The Blackbyrds, and Brick.

In 1977, the band became the touring backup band for RCA recording phenom Evelyn "Champagne" King, performing before audiences across the country. In 1979, TRUSSEL signed with Elektra/Asylum Records, where legendary trombonist/arranger Fred Wesley produced their recordings, including the top 20 hit "Love Injection," "Big City Rocker," and "I Love It."

But their independent spirit began even earlier. As college students, in 1975, the members created their own record label, Bridge The Gap Records, established their own publishing company, and released original music while still attending Virginia State University.

One release featured the instrumental "Bicentennial Boogie." Its B-side, however, carried a very different message. "How Many Tricks in 1976" questioned whether America's Bicentennial celebration reflected the everyday realities facing millions of Americans.

Today, fifty years later, the band has revisited that same idea for a new generation. 
 

The Message Remains

Many of the issues that inspired the original recording remain familiar today: inflation, political scandals, public distrust, economic uncertainty, and debates over equality and opportunity. Rather than simply rerecording the original, TRUSSEL has completely reworked the song musically while preserving its central question:

How many political tricks will Americans accept before demanding better?

The group says the new recording is intended to encourage listeners to think, discuss, and engage—not simply to entertain.

The Reunion

The reunion brings together seven surviving members of the original band:

• Hannon Lane – Guitar, vocals and producer
• Hermon “Blues” Maclin – Bass and vocals
• Michael Gray – Guitar
• Michael Spratley – Vocals
• Ron Smith – Co-producer
• Lynwood Jones – Saxophone
• Bill McGee – Trumpet, trombone, vocals and producer

Joining the reunion are:

• T.K. Johnson – Drums
• Brandon Lane - Keys
• Elisa Downey – Vocals
• Yolanda Westinghouse – Vocals
• Junie Collins – Percussion
• Aron “Teo” Lee - Handclaps

Although five decades have passed, the musicians say the chemistry, musicianship, and energy remain remarkably intact.

More Than Nostalgia

"What makes this project special isn't that we're playing together again," says the band. "It's that the questions we asked as college students are still relevant today." In 1976, TRUSSEL challenged listeners to think beyond parades, celebrations, and patriotic slogans. In 2026, they are asking America to do the same.

ISRC: QMNRQ2607426 | UPC: 800927070427 | REL# 070426 | Label 804SOUL

Available on ALL Streaming Services and at www.804SOUL.com