It’s nearly the first year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina devastating New Orleans and the Gulf Coast and this has put The Dirty Dozen Brass Band in a thoughtful mood.
In the aftermath of this natural disaster and the man made one that followed, the band had been listening to Marvin Gaye’s 1971 album ‘What’s Going On.’ They felt that the themes and social commentary found in Gaye’s album were even more relevant in today’s New Orleans. So they decided to adapt Gaye’s album to their own instrumental musical style. They also needed a creative outlet to express the feelings of loss they were feeling over New Orleans and their personal losses.
Katrina destroyed four of the band member’s homes and two member’s homes were heavily damaged by the storm. They also decided that a portion of the profits from the album would be donated to the Tipitinas Foundation - which benefits the music community of New Orleans.
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band consists of Gregory Davis on trumpet, Kevin Harris on tenor saxophone, Roger Lewis on baritone saxophone, Efrem Towns on trumpet and flugelhorn, Kirk Joseph on saxophone, Revert Andrews on trombone, Terence Higgins on drums, and Jamie McLean on guitar. They are also joined by guest musicians Ben Peeler and Doug Bossi on guitar, Leon Mobley on percussion, and Anthony Marinelli on keyboards.
The tracks include “What’s Going On” (featuring Chuck D), “What’s Happening Brother” (featuring Bettye LaVette), “Flyin’ High (in the Friendly Sky),” “Save the Children,” “God is Love” (featuring Ivan Neville), “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)” (featuring G. Love), “Right On,” “Wholy Holy,” and “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)” (featuring Guru).
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band provides equal parts jazz, gospel, and soul combined with the traditional brass band sound of New Orleans. They definitely have a New Orleans flavor to my ear. I greatly enjoyed the album and the guest performers. They even use some of Mayor Nagin’s remarks to start off “What’s Going On.”
All of the guest performers do a fine job, but my favorite tracks are probably “God is Love” with Ivan Neville and “What’s Happening Brother” with Bettye LaVette. I think that any fan of New Orleans music, the guest performers, or Marvin Gaye will enjoy the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s take on the classic album. If you do enjoy such music and buy the album it’s good to know, in a way, that you’ll be helping the devastated musicians of New Orleans.
‘What’s Going On’ is now available for pre-order at Amazon for an August 29th release. Visit the music database for more information and a complete track listing.
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