The title of the album and name of the band tell the story. Sousaphonist Rob Espino gathered many of his brassy and rhythmic friends and music mates for an album that rings as a labor of love. The album sounds a post-Katrina note when it opens with a spoken tribute to New Orleans that is reverently backed by a melodic lament shaded with a hint of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” An instrumental version of the mournful, yet beautiful memoriam, which is performed simply by Espino, trumpeter Leroy Jones and trombonist Craig Klein, thoughtfully closes the disc. In between, troubles are left behind and the music of the city—brass band, Latin, R&B and traditional jazz—prevails. The original material with south of the border beats seems best suited to this group. With the team of Kerry “Fat Man” Hunter and bass drummer Cayetano “Tanio” Hingle onboard, the ensemble was assured of a solid foundation whatever the call. The duo are right at home second-lining on Espino and trumpeter Mark Braud’s “Caution,” and “Watch Out for Them Potholes” is a fine addition to the modern brass band songbook. It’s really difficult for brass bands to really pull off recordings of New Orleans R&B classics like “Iko Iko” and “Big Chief” and it’s a puzzle why so many try. Espino and company try but don’t fare too well here, either, but that’s a minor point. Rob Espino y sus amigos de Nueva Orleans is about more than music; its all about New Orleans and amigos.