Artist - Various New Orleans Brass Bands
Title - Ultimate New Orleans Brass - Second Line Funk!
Format - Gatefold Double Vinyl
Label - Mardi Gras Records
New Orleans' Mardi Gras Records has put together the Ultimate second-line funk brass band compilation! This double LP compilation includes previously released Mardi Gras Records recordings from the seven brass bands featured on this fantastic set. The Rebirth Brass Band kicks things off with the standard which all others are measured – “Do Whatcha Wanna” followed by another Rebirth Original Classic – “Feel Like Funkin It Up” with that great tuba riff. The Rebirth set concludes with the perennial crowd favorite – “Casanova”.
The second side kicks off with the Soul Rebels – “Let Your Mind Be Free”. While all of Rebrith’s songs can be performed on the move, in the streets, the soul rebels have cast themselves as a stage band extraordinaire. “Let Your Mind Be Free” caused a revolution in the brass band scene, alienating older traditionalists and galvanizing younger progressives. Side two continues with Lil’ Rascals – “Knock With Me Rock With Me” where Glen David Andrews commands the vocals in what is unquestionably the most played brass band recording at dances and DJ parties.
Side two concludes with the Olympia Brass Bands take on the NOLA classic – “It Ain’t My Fault”. The second album includes Treme Brass Band featuring Benny Jones and their song “Grazing in the Grass”. The Olympia Brass Bands version of Professor Longhair’s “Mardi Gras in New Orleans”, another Glen David Andrews vocal on “Who Dat Called Da Police” with the New Birth Brass Band, and the album closes just as it started with the Rebirth Brass Band and their hit “I Feel Like Busting Loose”. Like all of the songs on this album, “Bustin’ Loose” is a musical pronouncement of collective joy and unbridled enthusiasm. Just drop the needle anywhere on this album to get the party started!
