Albums

Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band

“Preserving the Pulse of New Orleans Brass”

Quick Intro

Founded in 1958 by saxophonist Harold “Duke” Dejan, Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band became one of the most iconic brass ensembles in New Orleans history. Their 1985 album Jazzly Yours, released on Maison de Soul (MDS 1011), captures the spirit of second-line parades, funeral dirges, and joyful street celebrations that define the city’s musical heartbeat.

In-Depth Profile

Harold Dejan, a veteran of the Eureka Brass Band and Navy bands during WWII, formed Olympia Brass Band to revive and modernize the traditional brass band sound. With weekly gigs at Preservation Hall and international tours—including performances for Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II—the band became cultural ambassadors for New Orleans jazz.

The 1985 album Jazzly Yours (Maison de Soul MDS 1011) was a leased master from the band’s earlier sessions, reissued to bring their vibrant sound to a wider audience. The LP features classic brass arrangements, spirituals, and parade favorites, including “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” “Olympia on Parade,” and “It Ain’t My Fault.” The release helped solidify Maison de Soul’s role in preserving Louisiana’s diverse musical heritage.

Dejan’s Olympia Brass Band also appeared in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973), leading a funeral march through the French Quarter. Their lineup included legendary players like Milton Batiste, Emanuel “Pappy” Paul, and Kid Sheik Colar, and they mentored a new generation of brass musicians who continue the tradition today.

Signature Tracks

  • “Olympia on Parade” — A jubilant second-line anthem with punchy horns and syncopated snare

  • “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” — A soulful dirge turned celebration, rooted in gospel tradition

  • “It Ain’t My Fault” — A funky brass workout that became a Mardi Gras staple

Notable Accomplishments & Awards

  • Maison de Soul Release — Jazzly Yours (1985), catalog #MDS 1011

  • Film Appearance — Featured in Live and Let Die (1973), leading a funeral procession

  • Performed for Queen Elizabeth II and Pope John Paul II during international tours

  • Regular performers at Preservation Hall and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

Bonus Notes

  • The band’s signature dirge, “Westlawn Funeral Dirge,” is considered a brass band classic

  • Harold Dejan continued leading the band as a vocalist even after a stroke in 1991 ended his saxophone career

Album Reviews

Jazzly Yours Maison de Soul, 1985

“A brass band time capsule—Olympia’s sound is bold, reverent, and unmistakably New Orleans.”

This reissued LP brings together spirituals, parade tunes, and funky brass workouts that showcase the band’s versatility. With Maison de Soul’s careful mastering, the album remains a vital document of Louisiana’s brass tradition and a standout in the label’s catalog.