Personnel transitions are part of the history of brass bands in New Orleans. Though the band name may be new, all of the members of the Most Wanted Brass Band are familiar faces. They are playing every Tuesday at 2239 St. Claude Ave. in New Orleans. The show begins at 9:30 PM. Check their website for details on how to get in free.
Most of the musicians in the Most Wanted were longtime members of the Stooges who decided to pursue a different musical direction. They recorded an album, which is available free, here. “This is a Mardi Gras giveaway,” says bandleader Ersel Bogan III. “We want people to get acquainted with us as Most Wanted, though they know our names and faces already.”
The tracks are a composite of the band’s influences, musical passions, and the multitude of musical directions possible with their lineup. Songs include “That’s What You Get (For Being Polite)” by The Jacksons, traditional numbers like “Mardi Gras in New Orleans,” and Anthony Hamilton’s “Best of Me.”
“This CD is what we think our crowd, the people who support us want to hear,” trombonist Alfred Growe said. “This band is a bunch of old faces, cats that been on the brass band scene. The only thing that’s different is the name. We’re not out to take over the world, we just want to enjoy ourselves and use the gifts God has given us to make people happy about life. Music is all we know, and we intend to do it until we can’t anymore!”
The lineup of the Most Wanted Brass Band is: Ersel Bogan III, Alfred Growe III, Virgil Tiller, Christopher Cotton, Antoine Coleman, Burnell Edwards, Clifton Smith, Glenn Preston, and Chris Davis.
