Johnson’s, Bunk Brass & Dance Band – “Bunk Johnson’s Brass & Dance Band” – [Storyville Records]

humana   7/15/2014   12-inch, Jazz

Read the notes on the record cover while steeping yourself in this slice of musical history. Bunk Johnson, trumpeter and band leader who could coax more sound out of nine musicians than most people could do with 40, presents some classic funeral songs on Side A, and other traditional favorites on Side B. Joining the trumpets are trombones, horns, sousaphone, snare and bass drums. A6 features Johnson himself explaining the importance of bands at New Orleans’ funerals, with slow marches to the cemetery, and dance-inducing ragtime as the procession leaves with more people collected along the way just to relish the festive music. Most of these were recorded in 1945-46. Guaranteed to set your toes tapping.