Glen David Andrews CD - Release Party

2008 saw some excellent gospel releases from New Orleans artists who aren't necessarily ecclesiastical types. Drummer Joe Lastie Jr.'s Lastie Family Gospel on the Preservation Hall label was one, and Allen Toussaint and a team of local jazz all-stars collaborating with the Blind Boys of Alabama on the Grammy-nominated Down In New Orleans was another. The newest release from brass band stalwart Glen David Andrews, Walking Through Heavern's Gate, is another argument that churchly spirit is an undeniable anchor of New Orleans roots music – and that it swings.

  In Tremé, the Andrews family is shaping up to be the city's Marsalis or Neville clan of brassy, street-parade funk. Glen David shares a gene pool (and probably Thanksgiving dinner) with James (Crescent City Allstars), Troy (Trombone Shorty), Glen and Revert "Peanut" Andrews, both of the Rebirth Brass Band. Glen David, who honed his horn playing in Jackson Square with the late Tuba Fats, has proved himself a versatile musician who can switch from original hip-hop-infused funk to brass classics, and though Walking Through Heavern's Gate's track list is straight-up traditional gospel, it bubbles over with manifold sounds of New Orleans. Recorded live at Zion Hill Baptist Church in November, the record features invocations, church organ and a full gospel choir (plus guest spots from Troy Andrews and John Boutté) and as such, definitely looks heavenward, but the unmistakable stamp of Andrews' scratchy baritone holler keeps it high-stepping in street style. Paul Sanchez's Rolling Road Revue opens. Tickets $10. — Alison Fensterstock