Refiguring American Music

"Many New Orleanians and tourists justifiably identify second-lines as the quintessential local experience. Second-lines are sharply defined by the participation of brass bands, musical icons in a city that relies on - and sometimes exploits - culture to support its economy. In Roll With It, ethnomusicologist Matt Sakakeeny explores the development and dynamics of brass band culture, but also highlights the obstacles musicians encounter despite their status as "culture-bearers." The book's content is skillfully sequenced into narrative episodes used to contextualize Sakakeeny's research and conclusions [...] Roll With It is informative on many levels, detailing song structures, jazz history, neighborhood developments, and weaving information together through anecdote and research. It also poses a bigger question: If our city has economically benefitted from selling culture as a post-Katrina resource, are musicians getting what they deserve?"- Samuel Nelson, whereyat.com "In his fascinating book Roll With It: Brass Bands in the Streets of New Orleans, ethnomusicologist and journalist Matt Sakakeeny delves deep into one of the great institutions of American music. In this searingly honest portrait of 21st-century brass bands, Sakakeeny shares the stories of musicians in three contemporary brass bands: Rebirth, Soul Rebels, and Hot 8. The musicians' personal stories are interwoven with historical information, academic reflection, and personal experience, combining to form a highly original work that creates a vivid portrait both of this musical format and the noble but beleaguered city of New Orleans."-Florence Wetzel, All About Jazz "In addition to chronicling groups including the Rebirth Brass Brand, Sakakeeny provides a revealing look at the daily lives of musicians. Many of the issues addressed in "Roll With It" concern the fact that brass band music is uniquely embedded in neighborhoods. In addition to literally being performed on the streets, the audience actively participates via joining in on the "second line." [...] Detailed profiles of individual musicians make for a captivating narrative, and the book is beautifully illustrated with artwork by New Orleans native Willie Birch." - Clarion Ledger "Roll With It searches past academic theories, tapping many interviews and [Sakakeeny's] own experiences" - New Orleans Magazine