The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Biography

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, formed in 1977 in New Orleans, Louisiana, is widely recognized as a pioneering force in the modern brass band movement. Emerging from the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, a youth music program led by guitarist and teacher Danny Barker, the group was initially comprised of musicians such as Gregory Davis, Anthony Lacen, Charles Joseph, and Kevin Harris, who continued playing together after the original band dissolved. Their early years coincided with a decline in the popularity of brass band music in New Orleans, which gave them the creative freedom to experiment with their sound, blending traditional brass band music with bebop, funk, R&B, and modern jazz influences[1][3].

Adopting the name from the Dirty Dozen Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the band quickly became known for their energetic performances and innovative arrangements, incorporating music by Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, and Professor Longhair into their repertoire. Their unique 'musical gumbo' style revitalized the New Orleans brass band tradition and attracted a new generation of listeners. Over the decades, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band has toured extensively across five continents, recorded twelve studio albums, and collaborated with a wide array of artists, including Norah Jones, Widespread Panic, Elvis Costello, and David Bowie[2][3][4].

The band's legacy is marked by their role in the brass band renaissance of the late 20th century, expanding the boundaries of the genre and inspiring countless musicians in New Orleans and beyond. Their high-octane performances and genre-defying sound have made them a world-famous ensemble synonymous with innovation and the enduring spirit of New Orleans music[2][3][7].

Fun Facts

• The Dirty Dozen Brass Band was named after the Dirty Dozen Social Aid and Pleasure Club, a historic New Orleans organization that provided funeral arrangements and community support for African Americans[2][3].
• Kirk Joseph, the band's sousaphonist, is credited with revolutionizing the instrument's role in brass bands, earning comparisons to Jimi Hendrix for his innovative bass lines[1].
• Their first professional recordings were promoted heavily on New Orleans community radio station WWOZ, helping launch their career with local hits like 'Lil Liza Jane' and 'My Feet Can’t Fail Me Now'[3].
• The band has performed in over thirty countries across five continents, making them one of the most internationally recognized New Orleans brass bands[2][4].

Members

• Charles Joseph (from 1977 until 1991)
• Kirk Joseph (from 1977 until 1991)
• Jenell Marshall (from 1977 until 1994)
• Gregory Davis (from 1977)
• Kevin Harris (from 1977)
• Benny Jones (from 1977)
• Roger Lewis (from 1977)
• Efrem Towns (from 1977)
• Lionel Batiste (until 1994)
• Keith Anderson
• Revert Andrews
• Jake Eckert
• Terence Higgins
• Julius McKee
• Sammie Williams
• Jamie McLean

Original Members

• Gregory Davis
• Kevin Harris
• Benny Jones
• Roger Lewis
• Efrem Towns

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Danny Barker - Guitarist and teacher who founded the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band, mentoring many founding members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. (Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band) [early 1970s]
• Edward “Kidd” Jordan - Jazz saxophonist and educator at Southern University, taught Roger Lewis and Charles Joseph. (Southern University jazz program) [1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Norah Jones - Recorded and performed together. (Collaborative recordings and live performances) [2000s]
• Widespread Panic - Frequent live and studio collaborations. (Live performances, studio recordings) [1990s–2000s]
• Elvis Costello - Collaborative recordings. (Studio recordings) [2000s]
• David Bowie - Collaborative recordings. (Studio recordings) [1980s–1990s]
• Dr. John - Collaborative performances. (Live performances) [1980s–2000s]
• Band Members (not exhaustive): Gregory Davis, Roger Lewis, Kirk Joseph, Charles Joseph, Kevin Harris, Efrem Townes, Benny Jones, Jenell Marshall, Trevarri Huff-Boone, Stephen Walker, Julian Addison, Takeshi Shimmura - Core and rotating members contributing to the band's evolving sound. (All albums and live performances) [1977–present]

Artists Influenced

• Rebirth Brass Band - Inspired by the Dirty Dozen's modern approach to brass band music, helping spark the New Orleans brass band renaissance. (Rebirth Brass Band discography) [1980s–present]
• Soul Rebels Brass Band - Adopted and expanded the Dirty Dozen's fusion of funk, jazz, and hip-hop in brass band music. (Soul Rebels discography) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. It's All Over Now (This is Jazz 30: The Dirty Dozen Brass Band)
2. Superstition (Another Joyous Occasion)
3. Do It Fluid (My Feet Can't Fail Me Now)
4. Blackbird Special (My Feet Can't Fail Me Now)
5. I'll Fly Away (Funeral for a Friend)
6. My Feet Can't Fail Me Now (My Feet Can't Fail Me Now)
7. Arleen (Another Joyous Occasion)
8. Stompin' Ground
9. Caravan (My Feet Can't Fail Me Now)
10. Coconuts (Another Joyous Occasion)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #brass-band, #funk, #jam-band