The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, based in New Orleans, Louisiana was established in 1977, by Benny Jones and members of the Tornado Brass Band. The Dirty Dozen revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop into the traditional New Orleans jazz style, and since has been a major influence on local music
The American Dirty Dozen Brass Band, based in New Orleans, Louisiana revolutionized the New Orleans brass band style by incorporating funk and bebop into the traditional New Orleans jazz style, and have been a major influence on local music.The Band grew out of the youth music program established by Danny Barker at New Orleans' Fairview Baptist Church. In 1972, Barker started the Fairview Baptist Church Marching Band to provide young people with a positive outlet for their energies.The band achieved considerable local popularity and transformed itself into a professional outfit. The band initially called themselves the Original Sixth Ward Dirty Dozen, a name designed to show their strong connection to the Tremé neighbourhood and the local social club scene, as represented by the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club. They began playing regular Thursday night gigs at a club called Daryl’s, where these performances caught the attention of a local radio broadcaster, Jerry Brook. Brock made the first professional recording which he played constantly and helped them to present themselves professionally. The band's popularity began to take off in 1984, when did their first European tour followed by further engagements in New York. 1984 also saw the recording and release of the band's first album, My Feet Can't Fail Me Now.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.
