The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
The San Francisco Bay Guardian deemed The Dirty Dozen Brass Band's 1999 Mammoth Records release, Buck Jump (produced by John Medeski of Medeski, Martin and Wood), "preternaturally swamp-funky," with energy that is "...infectious and luminescent." Such praise has become commonplace for one of New Orleans' most acclaimed musical groups. Over a 20-year career, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band have boldly forged the traditions of New Orleans jazz with the modern influences of bebop, funk, R&B and pop, creating a new standard by which all other New Orleans groups, brass band or otherwise, are measured. The Dirty Dozen are tireless travelers, maintaining a continuous touring schedule that has taken them to over 30 countries on 5 continents including a July 1999 stop in Beijing, China to perform at one of that country's first open air pop music concerts. Virtuoso musicianship and irrepressible live shows have become the band's hallmark, earning them a loyal following as well as collaborations with notable artists such as Miles Davis, Elvis Costello, Branford Marsalis, The Squirrel Nut Zippers and The Black Crowes.