In the New Orleans program, the history of the traditional New Orleans jazz takes front stage. Trumpet player Mark Braud is a young talent who is lending color to New Orleans Jazz, supplying it with fresh new impulses. He acquired the necessary experience in Dr. Michael White's band, but also with pianist Harry Connick Jr. Braud, legendary trumpet player John 'Picket' Brunious' grandson, studied at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, a school also attended by jazz musicians like Harry Connick, Jr., Branford Marsalis and Nicholas Payton. When not on tour with Harry Connick, in whose band he still plays, or working with his own jazz and brass bands, he occupies himself with commercials and soundtracks. On his most recent CD, Shake it and Break it, he proffers some enjoyable modern interpretations of New Orleans Jazz.
