Rating: NNNN
An absolutely stunning album that surprisingly captures the essence of every human emotion in less than 45 minutes. Sort of a musical eulogy for the Dirty Dozen’s original tuba player, Anthony “Tuba Flats” Lacen, Funeral for the most part steers clear of sombre dirges and opts instead to rejoice in the beauty of life. The quintessential brass band that defines New Orleans music offers stirring renditions of John The Revelator, Jesus On The Mainline and Down By The Riverside. The tunes are so well performed, it’s no wonder everyone from David Bowie to Modest Mouse have had them guest on albums. Funeral For A Friend is not about life – it is itself a life force.
