This evening, The Tremé Brass Band plays at Snug Harbor to celebrate the release of their first CD since 2008. Shockingly, considering the pedigree of the players in the group, this is only the fourth CD that they have released in their history.
This is a significant appearance because Snug Harbor rarely features brass band performances. It is known as the bastion of modern jazz in the city and the Tremé is a tradition-minded unit. Plus, they encourage dancing. Note the drawing on the bass drum below.
The new disc, Tremé Traditions, features the group’s mainstays, “Uncle” Lionel Batiste on bass drum, leader Benny Jones on snare drum, and trumpeter Kenneth Terry, along with occasional members, sousaphonist Kirk Joseph and saxophonist Roger Lewis. Both Joseph and Lewis play in the Dirty Dozen Brass Band so they are not available for every gig.
Special guests on the album include trombonist Corey Henry, now with the Rebirth Brass Band and the “unofficial” sixth member of the funk outfit, Galactic. Ace drummers Shannon Powell and Herlin Riley also appear and Riley plays piano as well.
Even more interesting for fans of the Tremé traditions is the appearance of David Montana, the second chief of the Yellow Pocahontas on several traditional Mardi Gras Indian songs. The Yellow Pocahontas was founded by the legendary Big Chief Alison “Tootie” Montana. They have always been a very traditional organization and eschew public performances. Despite the late Tootie’s fame, the gang has never appeared on any public stage as far as I know including the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In fact, I am not aware of any member of the tribe appearing on a commercial recording either.
Shows are at 8 and 10 PM.
