In this episode we are joined by incredible trumpeter and vocalist Mark Braud.
From growing up in a family of eight trumpeters to playing with music icons such as Harry Connick Jr., Dr. John and Foo Fighters, Mark is a true embodiment of the New Orleans spirit.

We explore Mark’s musical roots, exploring how his family’s legacy shaped his sound, his early days playing in school bands, and his leap into a professional career, even dropping out of university to chase his dreams.

Mark shares his insights on jazz improvisation, adapting to other musicians in polyphonic settings, and why soloing is like cooking - you need the right ingredients!
He also reflects on invaluable advice he received from elders like Lucien Barbarin, and his commitment to passing on that wisdom to the next generation through his work at Preservation Hall.

Chapters

0:00 Intro
2:29 Early musical life in New Orleans
6:51 Early training, NOCCA, and first performances
11:09 Leaving university for gigs and learning on the job
13:17 The art of New Orleans jazz and playing as a unit
21:12 Preservation Hall, it’s legacy, and leading the band
25:44 Teaching the next generation and sharing the tradition

Don’t forget to check out Part 2 where Mark tells us about his production music library Old Saw Music, performing on Broadway, and what he’s working on next.

Find out more about Mark here: https://www.markbraud.com

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