THE TREME BRASS BAND

Biography

The Treme Brass Band, a traditional New Orleans marching brass band, was founded around 1990 by snare drummer Benny Jones Sr., who drew from musicians participating in weekly jam sessions at Sidney's Saloon in the Tremé neighborhood. Jones, raised in the Tremé area during the 1950s and 1960s, was immersed in New Orleans brass band culture from childhood, inspired by jazz funerals, parades, and social aid and pleasure clubs where his father and other musicians performed. Prior to forming the band, Jones played drums in the Olympia Brass Band and led the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Chosen Few Brass Band, bringing his deep roots in traditional styles to the group, which he co-led with bass drummer and grand marshal 'Uncle' Lionel Batiste Sr. until Batiste's death in 2012.[1][2][3][4][5]

Fun Facts

• The band reunited in Arizona after Hurricane Katrina scattered members, replacing lost instruments and playing gigs before most returned to New Orleans.[2]
• They wear traditional uniforms of band caps and white shirts and participate in jazz funerals to preserve rituals.[1]
• Featured in HBO's Treme series (their 'A Closer Walk With Thee' in episode 1 soundtrack) and Spike Lee's When the Levee Broke.[4][5]
• One of few traditional bands regularly featuring white musicians like Bruce Brackman (clarinet) and Craig Klein (trombone).[3]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Benny Jones Sr.'s father and old musicians - Childhood inspirations through jazz funerals and parades in Tremé neighborhood (Local club performances at Square Deal and social clubs) [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Uncle Lionel Batiste Sr. - Assistant leader, bass drum, vocals, grand marshal (All early performances and albums like Gimme My Money Back) [1990-2012]
• Kermit Ruffins - Original trumpet player (Early band lineup) [1990s]
• Corey Henry - Trombone player, frequent member (Early recordings and performances) [1990s-2000s]
• Kirk Joseph - Sousaphone player (Band performances) [1990s-2000s]
• Kenneth Terry - Trumpet and vocals, regular member (Gimme My Money Back album) [1990s-present]

Artists Influenced

• Upcoming musicians - Students and young players learning traditional techniques at weekly jam sessions (Wednesday night sessions at Candlelight Lounge) [1990s-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia