Biography
The Olympia Brass Band was founded in 1958 by alto saxophonist Harold "Duke" Dejan (1909-2002), who had been playing jazz and brass band music since the 1920s. The band quickly became one of the most prominent brass bands in New Orleans from the 1960s to the 1980s, serving as a bridge between traditional New Orleans brass band music and more contemporary sounds. Under Dejan's leadership, the twelve-piece ensemble initially played traditional repertoire in the style of earlier brass bands like Eureka, Onward, and Tuxedo, but began modernizing their approach when trumpeter and co-leader Milton Battiste joined in 1962.
Olympia Brass Band was revolutionary in opening up the brass band tradition to new audiences and contexts. They were the first brass band to tour extensively, beginning in the late 1960s, and expanded their performance venues beyond traditional parades and funerals to include nightclubs, Preservation Hall, television commercials, and sporting events. The band toured internationally, performing in Europe and Africa, playing for Queen Elizabeth's 25th wedding anniversary in London, and entertaining Pope John Paul during his visit to New Orleans. They also broke with tradition by eschewing formal uniforms in favor of matching T-shirts with the band's logo, a change that influenced later bands.
Musically, Olympia was known for their enormous range and flexibility, seamlessly transitioning from modest traditional styles for funerals and tourist concerts to more progressive sounds incorporating rhythm & blues influences from artists like Fats Domino and Professor Longhair for second line parades. This adaptability and willingness to incorporate contemporary popular music styles paved the way for later innovative bands like Dirty Dozen and Rebirth. The band continued performing into the late 1990s and early 2000s, with their final notable performance being Harold Dejan's own funeral parade in 2002.
Fun Facts
- They were the first brass band to eschew traditional uniforms in favor of matching T-shirts with the band's logo, a practice that became common among later bands.
- The band had a regular Sunday night gig at Preservation Hall for many years, helping to preserve and showcase traditional New Orleans brass band music for tourists.
- They performed for Queen Elizabeth's 25th wedding anniversary in London and entertained Pope John Paul during his visit to New Orleans, demonstrating their international appeal.
- Harold Dejan's 1971 recording included an 'Explanation of a funeral procession,' providing valuable documentation of New Orleans brass band traditions and customs.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Eureka Brass Band - Traditional brass band that influenced Olympia's early repertoire and style (Traditional brass band arrangements) [1950s-1960s]
- Onward Brass Band - Historic New Orleans brass band that influenced Olympia's traditional approach (Classic brass band repertoire) [1950s-1960s]
- Tuxedo Brass Band - Traditional brass band that served as a stylistic influence for early Olympia (Traditional brass band music) [1950s-1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Harold "Duke" Dejan - Founder and leader, alto saxophonist (All Olympia recordings and performances) [1958-2002]
- Milton Battiste - Co-leader and trumpeter who modernized the band's sound (Rhythm & blues influenced arrangements) [1962-1990s]
- Willie Humphrey - Clarinetist and longtime member (1971 Audiophile Records session) [1960s-1980s]
- Anthony "Tuba Fats" Lacen - Sousaphone player and prominent member (Various recordings and performances) [1970s-1990s]
- Allan Jaffe - Sousaphone player and Preservation Hall connection (Sunday night Preservation Hall performances) [1970s-1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Soul_Rebels - Modern brass band that began as Young Olympians, mentored by Olympia (Let Your Mind Be Free album (1994)) [1990s]
- Dirty_Dozen_Brass_Band - Contemporary brass band influenced by Olympia's integration of popular music styles (Modern brass band repertoire) [1980s-1990s]
- Rebirth_Brass_Band - Modern brass band influenced by Olympia's contemporary approach (Hip-hop influenced brass band music) [1990s-2000s]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Great Olympia Band | 2018-01-31 | Album |
| The Olympia Brass Band of New Orleans 1971 and the Young Olympia Brass Band 1965 | 2005 | Album |
| New Orleans Jazz Preservation | 2008-01-08 | Album |
| 1962 & 1966-1968 | 2003 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Mardi Gras In New Orleans (Ultimate Mardi Gras)
- New Second Line (New Orleans Second Line Mardi Gras Party)
- On the Square (The Great Olympia Band)
- Mardi Gras In New Orleans (New Orleans Second Line Mardi Gras Party)
- This Train Is Bound for Glory (New Orleans Jazz Preservation)
- Medley: Flee As A Bird / Nearer My God To Thee / Pleyel's Hymn (The Olympia Brass Band of New Orleans 1971 and the Young Olympia Brass Band 1965)
- Explanation of a Funeral Procession (The Olympia Brass Band of New Orleans 1971 and the Young Olympia Brass Band 1965)
- Who Dat? (Where Y'at?)
- It Ain't My Fault (Ultimate Street Parade: New Orleans Brass Bands)
- It Ain't My Fault (Ultimate New Orleans Brass Second Line Funk!)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Olympia Brass Band has been played 37 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.