“Twitter Feet” (PDF) from the Big 6 Brass Band album, Big Six

Thanks to Patreon member Sam for requesting this transcription!

In his book Roll With It, researcher Matt Sakakeeny suggests that brass bands provide a vehicle for conversation within a community, occupying public space with voice, music, and dance. But with the shift of public discourse toward social media throughout the past decade, the current evolution in New Orleans brass band music amplifies the voice of a new generation through viral brass band covers and SoundCloud mixtapes. Similarly, the Big 6 response to the “Who you rollin’ with?” roll call seems to mimic YouTube-satirical-rapper gmcfosho’s anthem “IMDABES.” Plus, the SEO-friendly re-branding of second-line footwork as “Twitter Feet” is expert-level platform synergy.

I assume based on the video below that the trombone solo is played by Dwayne Finnie as it showcases the parade sound developed from his time rollin’ with the Hot 8. While the solo mostly relies on the Bb blues scale, the use of the 13th (G) and flat-3rd (Db) creates the sound of Mardi Gras. And the turnaround in the B-section provides the opportunity to explore passing melodies before returning to a foot-stomping groove.

Here is a YouTube video of Big 6 performing at the WWOZ studio:

Recommended reading: Roll With It: Brass Bands in the Streets of New Orleans by Matt Sakakeeny. Published by Duke University Press.