Our Founding Members
Mark Braud - leader, trumpet
Trumpeter Mark Braud is a fourth-generation New Orleans musician and the leader of the Colossus Brass Band. Mark brings to this music his driving trumpet style as well as his love of crafting original new songs to bring into this living, breathing tradition (some of which will be on Colossus’ debut album!). You can also hear him with Harry Connick, Jr. and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Learn more about him here: www.markbraud.com, and check out his production music library for television, film and advertising at www.oldsawmusic.com
Gregg Stafford - trumpet, bass drum
Gregg Stafford’s rich New Orleans heritage goes all the way back to his time with Danny Barker’s Fairview Baptist Church Brass Band. He is a culture bearer who brings a wealth of musical experience, and his love for all the cultural traditions of New Orleans, from social aid and pleasure clubs to brass band funerals, drives him to perpetuate these traditions. He comes to Colossus with both his trumpet and some mean bass drum grooves.
Kevin Louis- trumpet
Kevin Louis is one of the most dynamic trumpeters on the scene today, bringing both power and a warm sound to the table. He brings both his New Orleans roots and his love of bebop to everything he plays, and that joy shines through in the music. You can hear him with Judith Owen and the New Orleans Catahoulas.
Wendell Brunious- trumpet
Wendell Brunious is from a multigenerational musical family (including his father, John Brunious, Sr. and his nephew Mark Braud, leader of Colossus). His joyful, syncopated playing is a hallmark of his signature sound, which is loved around the world. You can hear him with the Preservation Hall All-Stars and his own bands.
Bruce Brackman- clarinet
Bruce Brackman is not just a clarinetist; he’s a stylist of the clarinet. His sound is unmistakeably him, yet brings old school swagger to everything he plays. Bruce is as powerful as he is sensitive – he can bring the house down wailing or at a whisper with a driving vibrato that will melt your heart. He is a first call clarinetist for many traditional jazz bands and brass bands in New Orleans.
Coming from the legendary Paulin New Orleans brass band legacy, Roderick Paulin is one of New Orleans’ most versatile musicians. R&B, traditional jazz bands, big bands or just about anything else – he’s equally at home bringing exactly what the music needs. You can hear him with the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band and with his own band the Mahogany Hall Swingsters.
Roderick Paulin- tenor saxophone
Craig Klein- trombone
GRAMMY-Award winning Craig Klein is from a New Orleans musical family. His lyrical melodies and syncopated tailgate lines are deeply rooted in New Orleans traditional music, but he is equally at home in funk and rock styles. He is also a founding member of the New Orleans Nightcrawlers.
Freddie Lonzo- trombone
Freddie Lonzo is one of the last living experts in the New Orleans traditional tailgate-style trombone playing. His deep, rich sound is iconic for its heavy swagger and the fact that people can’t believe he’s not playing a bass trombone. You can hear him with the Preservation Hall All-Stars and many other traditional bands.
Gerald French- snare drum
GRAMMY Award-winning Gerald French brings to Colossus the perfect traditional snare drum playing. Coming from a multigenerational family of New Orleans musicians, he is well-versed in the traditions, funk, gospel and R&B of New Orleans music. You can hear him singing and playing in his band the Original Tuxedo Jazz Band.
GRAMMY Award-winning Cayetano “Tanio” Hingle is famous for his epically funky bass drumming. He brings both traditional and funk influences into his syncopated beats. He is a founding member of the New Birth Brass Band and a current member of the New Orleans Nightcrawlers.
Cayetano “Tanio” Hingle - bass drum
Kirk Joseph - sousaphone
Four-time GRAMMY Award-winning Kirk Joseph’s tuba sound is legendary in the brass band world. Kirk’s strong New Orleans roots extend beyond traditional jazz; he is also well known for his innovative, funky bass lines. He is the son of the iconic New Orleans tailgate trombonist Waldren “Frog” Joseph and one of the founders of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.