Leroy Jones - New Orleans Brass Band Music, Vol. 2 (2023)

Wendell Brunious and I have been acquainted with each other since the 1970s, during the time when the New Orleans brass band renaissance surged through the efforts of jazzman Danny Barker and pastor Andrew Darby Jr. of the Fairview Baptist Church. Wendell is a few years my senior. So it would suffice to say his trumpet playing, particularly within the context of this music, has influenced mine. Needless to say, our admiration for one another has always been mutual. Seemingly we have become sources of inspiration to a new generation of brass players.

Some of our followers, via social media, have asked me when will Wendell and I do a recording together. I thought, what a more perfect way to indulge the request, as well as fulfill a dream, than bringing it to fruition through a genre of music we’ve been familiar with since our youth.

We are joined by a very talented array of musicians who indubitably compliment the lead, with finesse, soul and swing. Here are fresh arrangements to some old classics, interspersed by an original piece dedicated to the emerging cohort and lovers of New Orleans brass band music.