Lazy Californians

Back to San Francisco

Angel Island

Nothing in the band or album name indicates New Orleans, yet that NOLA sound is the gist of this debut, Back to San Francisco, a brass band kind of sound led by trumpeter/vocalist/composer/arranger and filmmaker Cameron Washington. Washington has deep roots in Louisiana and grew up with these sounds before relocating to the Bay Area. Yet, the sound of his band, the Lazy Californians, runs much deeper and wider than New Orleans’ traditional brands. Washington’s band includes upright bass and Hammond B3, instruments apart from that brass band tradition. Their bottom-heavy instrumentation includes sousaphone, baritone sax, and trombone in addition to the two aforementioned instruments in the nine-piece unit. The genres go beyond brass band fare, incorporating hip-hop, Nigerian funk, and more. While the best reference point would be New Orleans’ Rebirth Brass Band, given that Washington’s band is based in the Bay Area, straight-up New Orleans music didn’t seem right, except that it must have a groove, be fun, and accessible.

There are as many guests as band members. Washington was intent on throwing a party. The title track begins with trumpet fanfare from Washington and guest Jairo Vargas, who contributes the MC-like spoken word. Band member Dan “Lebo” Lebowitz adds the scorching guitar solo, and guest New Orleans icon trumpeter Leroy Jones finishes it off. “Melee in the Vieuz Carre” features strains of reggae and Nigerian funk with guest  Waahid Jones delivering the Yoruba chant above the brassy sound. The odd “The Motorboat Song” is a quasi-calypso tune, one of the few without any guest spots. Patrick Byers’ flute is the central melody instrument. “Movin’ On Up,” from the ‘70s sitcom The Jeffersons, becomes a NOLA party anthem, featuring stirring vocals from guest Shamila Ivory. Soloists include band members Byers (baritone sax), trombonist Jeremy Nesmith, and tenor saxophonist Rick Russell.

“Busted Key Stomp” is a band instrumental featuring sousaphonist Benwar Shepherd, Washington’s soaring trumpet, and funky turns by Kevin Gerzowitz on the B3. Guest MC Todd “Woodz” Woodward graces the funk-hop of “Richochet.” Guest Glenn Appell brings his wailing blues harp to “The Cookout,’ a mashup of ‘50s R&B, Chicago blues, and modern-day rap. Washington is the vocalist. The five horn players stretch out, propelled by the twin drums of Andrew Greenstein and Josh “Jams” Marotta on “Toussaint’s Groove.”  Washington sings on the NOLA tinged jump blues of the classic “I Ain’t Drunk.” Russell unearths a gritty tenor solo, the foil to Washington’s swinging trumpet.

Lazy Californians dress up Scotty Morris’s “You & Me & The Bottle Makes 3 Tonight” with modern swing treatment, as Washington sings lead with the band churning behind him. Powerhouse vocalist Shamila Ivory returns, switching from the Saturday night alcohol-oriented tunes to the sacred. “Ken’s Chariot (Swing Low, Sweet Chariot) is a moving spiritual tribute to Washington’s dad. The album closes unexpectedly with “Sankofa,” a gentle, layered kalimba and marimba piece, infused by horns in the background.

One can tell that relentless energy abounds as the Lazy Californians defy any notion of their tongue-in-cheek band name. The album lives up to its mission of groove, fun, and accessibility with surprising turns along the way.

• Jim Hynes

Buy Us a Cup of Coffee!

Join the movement in supporting Making a Scene, the premier independent resource for both emerging musicians and the dedicated fans who champion them.

We showcase this vibrant community that celebrates the raw talent and creative spirit driving the music industry forward. From insightful articles and in-depth interviews to exclusive content and insider tips, Making a Scene empowers artists to thrive and fans to discover their next favorite sound.

Together, let’s amplify the voices of independent musicians and forge unforgettable connections through the power of music

You can donate directly through Paypal!

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Order the New Book From Making a Scene

Breaking Chains – Navigating the Decentralized Music Industry

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.

More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry’s middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist’s journey. Whether you’re an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music.

Get your Limited Edition Signed and Numbered (Only 50 copies Available)  Free Shipping Included