The Dirty Dozen Brass Band - Jelly

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, an innovative group that combines r&b with New Orleans parade rhythms, pays tribute to the great Jelly Roll Morton on this CD. Actually the DDBB mostly ignores Morton's original recordings (and leaves out some of his themes) in an unusual set that does not find them neglecting their own individuality. A few Danny Barker monologues add to the authenticity of this music, which takes great liberties with Morton's compositions. Trumpeter Gregory Davis (who duets with guest pianist Eddie Bo on "Dead Man Blues") is the most impressive soloist, though it is the sound of the rollicking ensembles (propelled by the sousaphone of Keith Anderson) that gives this set its sense of purpose. Purists, however, should avoid this one. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Name Credits Big Chief Smiley Ricks Conga Christopher Austopchuk Art Direction Danny Barker Speech/Speaker/Speaking Part David Farrell Engineer, Mixing Eddie Bo Piano Edward Frank Arranger Efrem Towns Trumpet Fred Kemp Arranger George French Vocals Gregory Davis Trumpet, Arranger, Percussion Jenell Marshall Percussion, Drums Keith Anderson Sousaphone, Trombone Kenyatta Simon Drums, Djembe Kevin Harris Sax (Tenor) Lionel Batiste Drums, Percussion Revert Andrews Percussion, Trombone Rick Olivier Photography Roger Lewis Sax (Soprano), Sax (Baritone), Arranger, Percussion Sara Rotman Art Direction Steve Reynolds Assistant Engineer Tom Coyne Mastering Tom McDermott Arranger Wardell Quezergue Arranger