The resurgence of brass band music in the Crescent City—ever since Danny Barker organized the Fairview Baptist Church band in the 70s and taught the younger generations how to re-invent the tradition for themselves—has been one of the utter glories of modern-day New Orleans.

    Spurred by Leroy Jones’ Hurricane Brass Band and Tuba Fat’s Chosen Few—and further inspired by veteran ensembles like the Treme, Algiers and Pinstripe Brass Bands—the new brass movement reached its...