Brass, Reeds, and Percussion: February 18, 2023 (Mardi Gras & Black History Month)

This edition of Brass, Reeds, and Percussion recognizes Mardi Gras and Black History Month with performances of jazz wind-band music by black musicians, especially those with a connection to New Orleans. Although some traditional dixieland and jazz is involved, a good bit of music is by the new-wave of New Orleans brass bands that perform what can be best denominated as urban brass. But we’ll begin with musicians from closer to home. In particular, this edition kicks off with the “Uproar Shout,” a 1937 recording by Erskine Hawkines and the Bama State Collegians.

1. Uproar Shout (1937 recording)
   Composer:  Erskine Hawkins (1914-1993)
   Performer:  Erskine Hawkins & the Bama State Collegians
   Album:  1930s Jazz
     
   
2. Uptown Blues (1939 recording)
   Composer:  Jimmie Lunceford (1902-1947)
   Performer:  Jimmie Lunceford & His Orchestra
   Album:  1930s Jazz
     
   
3. Royal Garden Blues
   Composer:  Clarence Williams (1893-1965) & Spencer Williams (1889-1965)
   Performer:  Hot Eight Brass Band
   Album:  Vicennial
     
   
4. Just My Imagination
   Composer:  Norman Whitfield (1940-2008) & Barrett Strong (1941-2023)
   Performer:  Hot Eight Brass Band
   Album:  Vicennial
     
   
5. We Shall Walk Through the Streets of the City
   Composer:  Garfield Haywood (1880-1931)
   Performer:  Hot Eight Brass Band
   Album:  Vicennial
     
   
6. You Talk Too Much (1960 recording)
   Composer:  Reginald Hall
   Performer:  Joe Jones
   Album:  New Orleans Blues, Soul, and Jazz Gumbo
     
   
7. St. James Infirmary (recorded circa 1928)
   Composer:  Traditional
   Performer:  King Oliver & His Orchestra
   Album:  New Orleans Blues, Soul, and Jazz Gumbo
     
   
8. St. James Infirmary
   Composer:  Traditional
   Performer:  Dr. Michael White (1954- )
   Album:  Adventures in New Orleans Jazz, Part 2
     
   
9. New Orleans Blues
   Composer:  Jelly Roll Morton (1890-1941)
   Performer:  Dirty Dozen Jazz Band
   Album:  Dirty Dozen Brass Band Plays Jell Roll Morton
     
   
10. Take It to the Street
    Composer:  Stafford Agee, Keith Frazier, Philip Frazier, Kermit Ruffins
    Performer:  Rebirth Brass Band
    Album:  Music from Treme, Season 2
      
    
11. Sweet Dreams Are Made of This
    Composer:  Annie Lennox (1954- ) & David Stewart (1952- )
    Performer:  Soul Rebels
    Album:  Unlock Your Mind
      
    
12. It’s All Over Now
    Composer:  Bobby Womack (1944-2014) & Shirley Womack
    Performer:  Dirty Dozen Jazz Band with vocal by Dr. John
    Album:  New Orleans Brass