Various Artists: Putamayo Presents New Orleans Brass

Some of New Orleans’s finest brass musicians are assembled on this compilation of music from the Big Easy. The city has long been an important location for musicians playing in a variety of styles, including blues, early jazz, R&B, Cajun folk music, and rock & roll. Putumayo Presents New Orleans Brass focuses on a pivotal genre: the brass band. James and Troy Andrews commence the proceedings with the boisterous “Bourbon Street Parade”. “I’ll Fly Away” and “Over in the Gloryland” are gospel-inflected offerings suitable for a New Orleans-style funeral, where jazz musicians march alongside the funeral procession, sending the departed to his great reward with jubilant fanfares. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band is joined by Dr. John for a rousing rendition of “It’s All Over Now”. The Dukes of Dixieland provide a raucously valedictory “street beat” version of “When the Saints Go Marching In”. In addition to being a delightful collection of music, this Putumayo sampler supports a good cause: 2% of the proceeds go to The Renew Our Music Fund, a charity that assists New Orleans musicians.