As locals may or may not know, NOLA’s brass bands have inspired similar groups around the world (including the fine Mama Dig Down from Madison, Wisconsin, and Japan’s Black Bottom Brass Band). These groups take their cues in large part from The Dirty Dozen and Rebirth Brass Bands, and add their own twist.

One of the best of the rest is the Seattle-based Tubaluba, which calls its music “Jambalaya Brass Rock.” With drum set, organ, piano and guitar backing up the frontline horns, it is in fact a mix of brass band and Walter Washington-style soul revue, with a little trad jazz thrown in.

It all works. They have sophisticated arrangements that are well-executed, hot singing by lead vocalist Samantha Willis, and some funny chanting. As a brass band, their lyrics naturally tend toward the derriere. “Get Yer Back Up Front” is a nice shout-out to assume the twerk position. The lyric of “Sun Don’t Shine,” initially mystified: “Shake that ass for your piece of mind cuz you’re living in the city where the sun don’t shine.” Oh, but they’re from Seattle, of course.

Seattle is 180 degrees different from NOLA, but these guys and gals have captured something of our city here.