Lest We Forget - Loose Booty!
"Who Took The Happiness Out?" (Kevin Harris - Kirk Joseph)
Forgotten Souls Brass Band, from Don't Forget 'Em, 2001
Gotta have some brass band music for Mardi Gras Day. I heard this CD playing in the Louisiana Music Factory back when it came out and bought it for the great grooves and great players involved, especially sousaphonist supremo Kirk Joseph, who co-wrote this tune back when he was with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. The Forgotten Souls are (were?) sort of a brass band side project supergroup of hot players from other bands (Rebirth, Dirty Dozen, Lil Rascals, Treme) forming the core unit with special guests (Stanton Moore, Donald Harrison, Monk Boudreaux, among others) sitting in on various numbers. Although several CDs by the band are still available, I don’t see this one listed anymore.
“Who Took The Happiness Out?” is a stone mover suitable for any celebration, Mardi Gras being (big) chief among them, thanks to an irresistible groove laid down by Galactic drummer Stanton Moore [thanks to John for bringing this to my attention in the comments, as I at first misread the fine print on the CD card], with, of course, the unbeatable Mr. Joseph’s pump action bottom end. Nice arrangement. Just the drums start it out to establish the strong funk feel right off; and the tune breaks down to them again near the end, in case you had any doubt how killer the beats could be. What a drummer. I orignally thought it was three people! The horns rip and run on unusual multipart charts that lend complexity and depth to the piece, instead of it being just a straight out blowing session. But, ultimately, the reason why this is great Mardi Gras music is it’s potent ability to set your backside free. If you can sit still for this one, you dead. If not, then you succumb. Flow with the go. Dance in the streets. Forget your cares. Beg shamelessly for virtually worthless beads for hours in the cold. And shake what yo’ mama gave ya, ‘til the cops come to clear it all out at the stroke of Ash Wednesday. . . . . Enjoy.
posted by Dan Phillips @ 3:53 PM
4 Comments:
I gotta get some some of that great stuff. Happy Mardi Gras! Hipcast is ok like you said.
The drums you are hearing are Stanton Moore alone. That is one of his signature grooves.
You're right, John. My eyes (and ears) are failing me. Stanton is listed on this cut. That's why the comments section pays off. I'll correct the post. Some incredible playing. Shoulda caught it. Thanks!
With all the positive things you wrote about this album, I'm now going to have to start a personal search to find a copy on CD. I love reading HotG but it gets my cravings for New Orleans music going and I end up buying more CD's (much to the chagrin of my wife).
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