Why Horns Of Leroy Aren't A 'Perfect' Band

The New Orleans-style big brass band Horns Of Leroy had their first gig booked within 24 hours of jamming in Edinburgh Gardens three years ago. And after many more hours of round-the-clock gigging and getting their good vibrations down to a fine art, the band is set to release their debut self titled album.

"We recorded at Rolling Stock Studios in Collingwood with Myles Mumford. We've been gigging so heavily over the past three years and always get asked for our album. It was inevitable, but took a lot of planning," says band leader Travis Woods.

Putting yourself and your music out into the big, bright world can be nerve-racking, but going with what feels natural seems to have carried the seven-piece through. "We've been playing many of the songs over the past few years, but many of the new songs grew over this past summer period, which made the recording process pretty easy," says Woods. "We aren't a 'perfect' band in any way. A lot of our shows are different as there's a fair bit of improvisation involved. We did have to think about the songs a little more, as it was being immortalised in the digital medium. But we just go for a party vibe.

"We play a mix of originals and covers, plus some old New Orleans tunes. We recorded some of our new material but also what we thought our fans would love to hear."

The album has no clear-cut theme, but the band's trademark Second Line party feel flows through from start to finish. "We tried to play them as we normally would to give the album the best vibe."