Treme Brass Band, one of New Orleans’ new brass bands, owes a musical credit to Danny Barker, the late, great Danny Barker who started the dying tradition of brass bands with the Fairview Baptist Church School For Brass Bands and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. Numerous other bands have emerged since the Dozen’s popularity. The Treme Brass Band is a leader in this genre, featuring a stellar cast including Kermit Ruffins or James Andrews. Treme is not just a neighborhood in New Orleans, it’s also a feeling. John Boutte, a singer, described it in “Down in the Treme”, describing the people who walk by the Treme neighborhood and the music emanating from every doorway. This gives the community an identity and joy. This sensibility is what the Treme Brass Band members grew up with. The Treme Brass Band is a vital part of New Orleans’ life, and jam sessions are a big part of that. Music lovers will find local favorites at Donna’s Bar and Grill, Rampart Street. They can also hear the Treme Brass Band and Sista Teedy. Benny Jones, the bandleader and snare drummer, might be leading the crowd to a rollicking rendition of “Gimme My Money Back,” the band’s iconic tune. While Lionel Batiste, bass drummer, is feigning with the ladies, Kerwin James, tuba player, keeps the beat for various brass instruments such as the trumpet, trombone and saxophone. One thing is certain: Everyone is enjoying the best New Orleans street music. Brass bands have been around since the beginning of the 20th century. They were always in high demand and played at parties, funerals, and any other occasion that required music to support the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. Street parades that lasted for hours and miles often developed unique characteristics that have been carried on by the next generation of musicians. In many tunes on Gimme My Money Back (1995), and I Got a Big Fat Woman(1996), the Treme Brass Band pays homage its hometown heritage. “The Old Rugged Cross”, a traditional dirge-style song, is played while “Just A Closer Walk with Thee” has a more upbeat beat. There are references to historical places and events like the “Back O’ Town Blues” or the “Darktown Strutters Ball.” Louis Armstrong’s song “I’ll be Glad When You’re Dead, You Rascal You” is popularized along with the “Food Stamp Blues”. You are in the City that Cares Forgot with its brassy beat, brassy rhythms and loud laughter. The Second Line is leaving the venue. All music
