New Orleans brass band music is alive and thriving, thanks to a procession of younger musicians who've kept things fresh while staying true to the roots and the tradition. Following in the path of groups like the Dirty Dozen and the Rebirth Brass Band, the Stooges have put their own stamp on the music with a sound that layers generous helpings of hip-hop, funk, modern jazz and pop over a body-shaking beat and a propulsive intensity stoked by countless hours of second-lining on the Nola streets. After seeing them perform, I got founder and trombonist Walter Ramsay, saxman Virgil Tiller and drummer/trombonist Garfield Bogan into the studio for some talk and tunes, including a sneak peek at their forthcoming EP, their first CD since 2003's "It's About Time."
