What's Going on

Dirty Dozen Brass Band | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 29, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Shout Factory
• ASIN: B000GRTQS4
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,101 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Of all the life-affirming music made in response to Hurricane Katrina, this is perhaps the most radical achievement--a recontextualizing of Marvin Gaye's early-'70s classic in the wake of the devastation of New Orleans. Joining the Crescent City's leading brass band are an array of guest singers who give the interplay a different dynamic from Gaye's silky sophistication. From the harder edge that Public Enemy's Chuck D gives the opening title track through the redemptive prophecy provided by Guru on the closing "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)," the album takes the spirit of Gaye's social commentary and adds a contemporary twist. Among the other highlights, Bettye LaVette wrings every ounce of soul from "What's Happening Brother," Ivan Neville leads the call-and-response spirituality of "God Is Love," and the Dirty Dozen transform "Save the Children" into a symphony of syncopation and saxophones. Released to mark the first anniversary of the hurricane, with some proceeds benefitting relief efforts, the album deserves to have the staying power of Gaye's original. --Don McLeese

Product Description

On August 29, the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band will release their reinterpretation of Marvin Gaye’s classic LP What’s Going On. Thirty-five years after its original release, the political and social themes of the album are just as relevant as ever. Along with many others along the Gulf Coast, the members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band lost their homes to Katrina. Their take on What’s Going On is not only an attempt to express their feelings about this tragedy and other current events, but also a tribute to the spirit of their hometown of New Orleans.

Guest vocalists Chuck D, Ivan Neville, G. Love, Guru and Bettye LaVette contribute to album, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each copy of What’s Going On will go to the Tipitina’s Foundation, benefiting the music community of New Orleans.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly "What's Going On"..., November 30, 2006

By 

H. E. Davis (Miami Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What's Going on (Audio CD)

Combining superlative musicianship, the inspiration of Marvin Gaye's original album, the immediacy of the new arrangements, contributions from legendary guest artists, and the enormity of the calamity (Hurricane Katrina) that inspired this undertaking, this is a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L recording!

And not just because of the good intentions.

Anyone who is in tune with Marvin's vibe ie anyone who's got S-O-U-L, will appreciate and enjoy the groove on this jam.

If I'm mixing metaphors, I apologize. Just a caucasian dude with a lifelong love of soul.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great tuba, June 7, 2007

By 

313 dobson (tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's Going on (Audio CD)

Since my son plays the tuba a friend suggested this cd to me and I think it is wonderful. He makes the tuba sound like a guitar!! we love it.

4.0 out of 5 stars Great vibe!, August 29, 2011

By 

Ryan - See all my reviews

This review is from: What's Going on (Audio CD)

Good music and great horns!!! I've listened to their other albums and this one hits the spot for me. I think the genre description 'JazzFunk' is a good indicator, but not totally accurate - never-the-less - good funky vibes.