TEAL • The Prospect Brass Band

2026 has been a year of notable accomplishments for the Prospect Brass Band.  Following on the heels of two Review Music Awards as “Best Big Band” and “Best Jazz Musician” for bandleader Aron Callard, the band has now released their first album, “Teal.”

Prospect Brass is fashioned after the “second line” tradition which came to popularity in New Orleans.  Second line parades originated as neighborhood celebrations and social events, dating back to the 19th century. The "first line" included the parade leaders, band, and honorees, while the second line consists of revelers dancing behind, waving handkerchiefs or umbrellas, expressing joy and community spirit. 

Second line brass bands typically feature trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphones, and percussion. The music originally blended African and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with European brass instrumentation, creating a lively, syncopated sound that encouraged audience participation.  Over time, the bands incorporated funk, soul, and hip-hop influences, keeping the tradition dynamic and culturally relevant.

This is where Prospect Brass comes in.  While they don’t typically march, the band has quickly established a following for their unique interpretations of popular songs.

“Teal” takes the band in a slightly different direction, as it consists of eight original songs.  Each is composed by Aron Callard, augmented by solo sections improvised by the various band members.

In addition to Aron, the band consists of Megan Callard on tuba, Hannah Loiselle on tenor sax and flute, Morgan Lillie on trumpet and flugelhorn, Chandler Wayne on bass trombone bass trombone,  and Ryan Wilson on drumset and auxiliary percussion.  All of the members also contribute vocals.

The album opens with "Brass-fare and Funk-cessional," a clever reimagining of Sir Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance-style ceremonial writing, filtered through a modern funk lens. It serves as an energetic overture, introducing both the band's sense of humor and its musical ambition.

One of the record's most endearing moments arrives with "Honey Bee," a groove-filled tribute to Lolobee's Lounge, the venue where the ensemble first found its footing. Loiselle's expressive tenor saxophone solo gives the piece both warmth and personality, making it one of the album's most memorable highlights.

The group ventures into new territory on "DIJON," blending jazz ensemble writing with hip-hop influences inspired by Kendrick Lamar's HUMBLE. A Dilla-style rhythmic feel underpins the arrangement, while Aron Callard's trombone work bridges the gap between contemporary beats and big-band traditions.

Latin rhythms drive "Deadline Approaches," a frantic, high-energy composition that perfectly captures the panic familiar to anyone who's ever raced to finish a project at the last minute. Lillie's confident trumpet feature adds urgency and excitement to the relentless pace.

"Light Tap" offers a lighter, more playful interlude. Named after the Callard’s cat, Pete, whose gentle paw taps became part of the creative process, the tune showcases Loiselle's graceful flute performance in an arrangement that balances charm with sophistication.

The album quickly shifts gears with "Sucker Punch," an explosive fusion of rock energy and jazz precision. Loiselle returns on tenor saxophone, delivering a commanding solo that matches the tune's aggressive title and driving momentum.

Perhaps the emotional centerpiece of the recording is "Teal." Inspired by Aron's mother's battle with cancer, the piece reflects resilience, hope, and healing. Lillie's lyrical flugelhorn performance lends the composition a deeply personal quality, resulting in one of the album's most moving moments.

Closing the collection is "Big Stompin'," the band's very first original composition. Inspired by the Callard's young cat Percy and his oversized paws, the tune has grown into a confident showcase for the ensemble's sound. Aron 's trombone feature provides a fitting conclusion to an album that consistently balances technical skill with creativity, humor, and genuine heart.

A testament to the “tunefulness” of the band’s originals came at a recent performance by the band at the Herter Music Center Band Camp.  The group, scheduled to play a set of cover songs for the campers, decided to soundcheck with Big Stompin’.  

As they prepared themselves for the performance Megan pointed out to Aron that the kids were singing the melody to Big Stompin’.  With that obvious inspiration, they included the song in their set to a wildly appreciative reaction.

Teal is available on all of the major streaming platforms and is available for purchase and download at Bandcamp.com.

The band is scheduled to perform on the bill of the 60th Anniversary Concert of Question Mark and The Mysterians “96 Tears” at Wenonah Park on July 12.  Running from 3:0 - 6:00 PM, the free concert also features Larry McCray and the McCray Brothers.

If you are wondering what the Prospect Brass Band is all about, this will provide the perfect opportunity to check them out on a big stage.