Putumayo World Music: New Orleans Brass. A who's who of New Orleans musicians and vocalists, celebrating one of the world's richest music centers.

In the musically rich port of New Orleans, brass musicians have long been the mainstays of the most revered local traditions: second lines, jazz funerals and Mardi Gras parades. This fall, Putumayo releases a collection that brings trumpets, tubas and trombones center stage. On New Orleans Brass, a veritable who’s who of contemporary New Orleans musicians and vocalists demonstrate why the city continues to be one of the world’s most vibrant musical centers.

Key to the brass tradition are the numerous parades that have been part of New Orleans culture since they began in the 18th century. Holidays, civic events and even funerals have long been commemorated with parades led by marching bands. Throughout the years, New Orleans brass bands developed a musical culture unlike any other, with a special march-and-dance rhythm that has flavored all New Orleans music ever since, including rhythm and blues, jazz and funk.