On the New Orleans scene since 1981, the Storyville Stompers Brass Band has built its reputation on being true to the traditional style of this music. The ensemble, led by the much-loved sousaphonist Woody Penouilh, stays faithful to its roots on Count Your Blessings, but this time out with a slight twist. Inspired by its role model, the great Olympia Brass Band’s 1977 album, In a Gospel Mood, the Stompers present a release full of time-honored hymns.

Snare drummer Shawn King sets the tempo of the opening title cut, a tune perhaps a little less familiar than most of selections. Will Smith, long-time trumpeter and vocalist, does the singing on this lively number encouraged by folks clapping their hands. Clarinetist Bruce Brackman really standouts “doodlin’” behind the group as well as during his solos.

As the daughters of the late Topsy Chapman, sisters Yolanda Robinson and Jolynda “Kiki” Chapman have enjoyed years of singing gospel music. They do two fine numbers here, the joyful “Old Time Religion” and a mid-tempo “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” with Rickie Monie’s organ really bringing it to the church.

The brass section that includes trumpeters Smith and Doyle “Trumpet Red” Cooper, plus the trombones of co-leader Craig Klein and Gerry Dallmann, shines during the ensemble work on a swaying “In the Sweet By and By.”

The album ends triumphantly with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” with the rhythm strongly provided by sousaphonist, the late Jeffrey Hills Sr., snare man Kerry Brown and bass drummer Tanio Hingle. Saxophonist Steve Burke brings in a modern flavor.

Hymns and gospel selections have long lived in the repertoire of New Orleans traditional brass bands and are a must during jazz funeral processions. On Count Your Blessings, the Storyville Stompers delivers them with the dignity, reverence and the heartfelt spirit they deserve.