Heavily influenced by the New Orleans jazz tradition, Leroy Jones has honored his rich heritage while seeking to expand his musical repertoire. He took up trumpet when he joined his elementary school's band. At 13, he joined guitarist Danny Barker's Fairview Baptist Brass Band, who also taught Jones privately. He spent four years in the city's popular St. Augustine High School Band. After graduating, he formed the Hurricane Brass Band, which along with the Fairview Band provided talent for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. He toured Canada with Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson and joined Della Reese, leading to international concert tours that eventually resulted in Jones performing in Southeast Asia for a three-year stretch. Recruited by Harry Connick, Jr. for his big band, Jones was Connick's opening act during his 1994 tour. He finally debuted to critical acclaim as a leader in 1995 with his CD Mo' Cream From the Crop. ~ Ken Dryden