Brass Bands
Dirty Dozen Brass Band
In a world of war, poverty, ecological disasters, dissent and conflict in the social fabric of society, Marvin Gaye found himself looking to the heavens in 1971 and asking the heartfelt question What’s Going On? And with that Gaye created the unqualified masterpiece of his astounding career, an album addressing these questions of an uncertain world.
In 2006, with the same questions looming even larger, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has borrowed on Gaye’s inspiration to create a crowning achievement in their own career, which spans more than three decades of innovation and leadership in New Orleans music and beyond.
Hot 8
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New Orleans' own Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans street music for over a decade. The band plays the traditional Second Line parades, hosted each Sunday afternoon by Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, infusing their performances with the funk and energy that makes New Orleans music loved around the world. The members of the Hot 8 Brass Band were born and raised in New Orleans and many began playing together in high school. What makes the Hot 8 so special are the sounds they coax from their well-loved, well-worn horns. An evening with the Hot 8 is like no other...
Jamelle Williams
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"There have always been quite a few up and coming young talented musicians from New Orleans. But in my opinion, Jamelle Williams stands out amongst the pack as one of the most exceptional young jazz trumpeters to grace the Crescent City. He is versatile, swings his butt off, plays with elegance, fire and soulfulness! He is amongst my favorite young jazzmen from New Orleans." -Leroy Jones.
From Buddy Bolden, King Oliver and Louis Armstrong through Wynton Marsalis and Terence Blanchard, New Orleans has been the home and training ground for many brilliant trumpeters through the years. Jamelle Williams was actually born in Bastrop, Louisiana,which is five hours north near the Arkansas state line, but his jazz career began in New Orleans and he has been an important part of its scene ever since. Jamelle remembers hearing gospel music early in life.
Rebirth Brass Band
A freewheeling, horn-driven contemporary ensemble in the Basin Street tradition, the Rebirth Brass Band mixes it up in a variety of exuberant styles. They pump out passion, celebration, and a rollicking, street-wise stream of non-stop partying. According to All Music Guide's Ron Wynn, their choice of gutbucket moan, holiday stomp, hurtin' wails, and rigorous, high-stepping march covers the R&B highs and lows of the Delta's musical territory. Described as neo-bop, a youthful direction for New Orleans Jazz, the band took shape at Alfred Lawless High School in 1982 from seven sounds: founder Kermit Ruffins and Gardner Ray Green on trumpet, Keith "Wolf" Anderson and Reggie Stewart on trombone, leader Philip Frazier on tuba and sousaphone, and Kenneth Austin and Keith "Bass Drum Shorty" Frazier managing percussion--Austin on snare drum and Frazier on bass drum and cymbal. They originally called themselves the Rebirth Jazz Band but have recorded most of their albums under the name Rebirth Brass Band.
Soul Rebels Brass Band
Imagine blending the sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock, and reggae so seemingly it defies category. Now shrink that idea into a seven-piece ensemble, add a hip hop sensibility plus a hundred years of New Orleans jazz tradition, and you'll get the Louisiana sound known as the Soul Rebels. This shrewd crew of college trained multi-instrumentalists are forcing listeners to "Let your mind be free" as they "Work it out" on the dance floor. There music is utterly uplifting and hard core leaving fans with a myriad of intrinsic sounds and songs to enjoy.
The Soul Rebels were destined for success. After parading around the streets of New Orleans in the traditions of the second line and jazz funerals, the Soul Rebels began their professional debut with the famed Neville Brothers in New Orleans at the Hot Spot Tipitina's! The Soul Rebels rocked so hard and so strong they continued opening for the Neville Brothers and beyond. The bands hard funk groove has landed them gigs as an opening act for: Bootsy Collins, A Tribe Called Quest, Better than Ezra, Counting Crows, Olympia Brass Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Roy Hargrove, James Brown, Allen Toussaint, Lionel Hampton, Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis,The Fugees, Digital Underground, The Roots, Brand New Heavies, The Gap Band, Robert Plant & Jimmy Page and many more.
