Customer Reviews

New Orleans Brass

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Did you make it to Mardi Gras this year? I did, although I never left Pennsylvania to get there. All it took was slipping "New Orleans Brass" into the stereo, and Bourbon Street materialized around me in all its festive splendor.

"New Orleans Brass" is another fine offering from Putumayo, the world music label you want scouring the Earth to find the finest in ethnic and geo-specific sounds. In this case, New Orleans was the destination, and just shy of a dozen brass bands -- some with singers, some without -- fill the streets with that distinctive joyful sound.

This is irresistable stuff, and you'll only need to listen for a few moments before you're breaking out your beads and your mouth is watering for a little post-Katrina cuisine. So, unless you can make it down to New Orleans sometime soon, bring the city's signature festival atmosphere to you with some New Orleans Brass. Man, those horns do blow.

by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(net) editor

"New Orleans Brass" is proof positive that Katrina hasn't deadened the horns of the city's finest musicians. Putumayo World Music has compiled samples from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band with Dr. John, the Preservation Hall Hot 4, Kermit Ruffins, the Dukes of Dixieland and seven other groups that prove conclusively the resurrection of New Orleans' signature music. John Boutte', every bit as good a singer as his sister Lillian, does a fine job on "I'll Fly Away," a 19th century spiritual. Bob French's Original Tuxedo Jazz Band and Leon "Kid" Chocolate do a great rendition of "St. James Infirmary," and the current personnel of the Dukes wrap it up with a rousing version of "Saints." A 35-page booklet of liner notes and an enhanced DVD tune are bonuses for this outstanding CD. After you hear this one, check out Putumayo's other offerings.

This is another great CD from Putomayo Presents. Very cool drumbeats and a lot of great brass horns are on this CD. I particulary liked tracks one, three, and St. James Infirmary.