The Lagniappe Brass Band has been making its presence known as a stage band hitting hot at the Blue Nile on Sunday nights.

The band takes it up a notch in releasing this self-titled debut CD.

Though the group doesn’t claim anyone as being its official “leader,” trumpeter Mario Abney is perhaps the most recognizable member of the group. The Chicago native is active on the New Orleans modern jazz scene. He also contributes two originals to the disc, the hyped-up “Rollin” and the cleverly titled “Instant Grits,” which is vaguely reminiscent of the Treme Brass Band’s “Food Stamp Blues.”

It’s notable that all of the material on this CD comes from the pens of Abney, trombonist Roy Lancaster or the members of the Lagniappe Brass Band collectively. That’s rather unusual, as first releases by brass bands usually bow to a traditional number or street favorite for the sake of familiarity. Here, it’s all new.

Lancaster’s “Rollercoaster” is just that, so fast and furious that it would seem second lining down the street to this one would be, well, breathtaking. The accelerated tempo represents the biggest difference between brass band music today and yesteryear. There’s more of a groove going on in “Marais St.,” and what might be considered the friendlier, easier feel of the band’s “Ain’t What You Think.”

The Lagniappe Brass Band possesses a lot of talent—kudos to tuba man Joshua Brown—displays some explosive musical arrangements, and enjoys a strong following. It still could use something to set itself apart from the field. That could come by way of the catchy refrain, “I’m gonna do me,” on the funky “Mystery Machine.”