Coolbone may have lost its major label deal with Hollywood Records, which produced 1997’s Brass-Hop and offered the surreal hope that a New Orleans brass band playing jazzy hip hop could somehow sneak into the pop mainstream. But the band endures. In fact, the grass-roots realm seems better suited to Coolbone on Brass Vibes, a self produced/self-released album which more effectively captures the raw, street-energy (or “fire”) of funky brass bands and underground rap.

Of course, some folks might miss the slick production on Brass-Hop, the way the programmed beats were way out front, the horn lines tight and punchy. It’s hard not to miss the crisp, forceful articulation of rapper Eric “Cassius” Clay, or the soulful, singing of Andre Carter.

On Brass Vibes, however, the horns of the Johnson brothers, the band’s core, are more expressive, and the rhythm section is considerably more dynamic. The beat machine takes a back seat to the booming tuba of “Roo” Johnson, the sizzling snare drum of ex-Rebirth member, Ajay Mallery, and a full battery of subtle percussive embellishments. For example, the Brass-Hop song “Layin’ It Down” gets a makeover and becomes “Layin’ It Down 2nd Line Style,” where romping, street parade rhythms and horn solos meet hypnotic chants and freestyle raps courtesy Steve “Cool bone” and guest W. Franklin.

The rap phrasing of Steve “Coolbone” may lack a little punch, as he sacrifices clarity in order to be woven texturally into the music, but his singing is surprisingly tasty on the alluring “Tenderific,” and the thought provoking “Watch Whatcha Ask 4.” These tracks, along with “If” and “Supposed To Be Brothers,” a brilliant rant against the absurdity of racism, display the songwriting prowess of Steve “Coolbone,” his band, and various guest rappers.

In addition, the repeated keyboard phrases and horn riffs, ‘Which replace the pre-recorded “samples” of mainstream rap, seem more infectious and funky—and there are actually a few killer trombone solos, perhaps the best indicator of a more organic Coolbone record.

With ‘the release of Brass Vibes, Coolbone’s, commercial potential may seem diminished, but their artistic vision is more fully realized.