Biography of The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

A topknotch ensemble, The Dirty Dozen Brass band emerged in the mid-'70s. They mixed contemporary material from R&B and bebop sources with arrangements featuring more traditional New Orleans brass band numbers, something that angered purists, but drew universal praise from audiences. The group soon became local celebrities, and later certified stars on the international festival circuit. They've opened the doors for other groups like The Rebirth Brass band and Young Olympians. Their music has helped enhance and prolong the brass band tradition, and if collaborations with Elvis Costello have given them widespread rock exposure, it's also taken the form to audiences that would otherwise never hear it. Their brillance and jubilant rhythms can be heard on every session they've recorded for Concord, Rounder and Sony. All their dates are available on CD. ~ Ron Wynn and Bruce Boyd Raeburn