Colossus Brass Band

The Colossus Brass Band is a powerhouse institution in the lineage of New Orleans traditional jazz. Widely recognized as a true “Murderer’s Row” of Crescent City masters, this elite, intergenerational supergroup represents the pinnacle of musical preservation and innovation. Led by trumpeter Mark Braud, the all-star lineup unites the definitive torchbearers of the art form:
The Frontline: Legendary trumpet masters Mark Braud, Wendell Brunious, and Kevin Louis, alongside the expressive reed work of Roderick Paulin and Bruce Brackman, and tailgate trombone virtuosos Freddie Lonzo and Craig Klein.
The Rhythm Section: Driven by the flawless, grooving timekeeping of drummer Gerald French, the foundational pulse of bass drummer Gregg Stafford, and the revolutionary, pioneering sousaphone style of Kirk Joseph.
While each member carries a unique legacy from families that literally engineered the sound of New Orleans for generations, they are completely unified in their vision. Together, they fuse centuries of collective history into a masterful, flawless execution of the city’s complex polyphonic style.
Melding historic preservation with forward-thinking arrangement, The Colossus Brass Band honors the classic repertoire while introducing fresh, original compositions—as captured on their definitive album Sing On—destined to become the future staples of the American roots songbook.