Uncle Lionel Batiste - April, 2008

Standing at the bar next to the stage, Uncle Lionel Batiste, 76, takes a break from over an hour of his bass drumming and singing. He is watching the rest of the Treme Brass Band and a great lineup of various musical guests ripping the air with crazy tight horns at Ray's Boom Boom Room, my favorite club and one of the great live music venues that line Frenchmens Street in the Marigny just outside of the French Quarter.

Many great musicians from New Orleans can boast of their own stints with the band, the regular lineup is always filled with great players and musical guests seem to take great pleasure playing along at every show.

Uncle Lionel has been drumming since he first marched with the Square Deal Social Aid and Pleasure Club at age eleven. Jazz drummer Herman LeBeaux says "Inside Uncle Lionel's bass drum is the pulse of the city."

Snare drummer Benny Jones Jr. is the leader of the Treme Brass Band, founder of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, and son of legendary drummer Chester Jones. He has received a lifetime achievement award from the New Orleans International Music Colloquium. The Colloquium calls The Treme Brass Band "one of the top brass bands in the world."

Indeed. When you go to New Orleans you should be sure to see them.