Brass Band goes well beyond the traditional

First, let’s get the numbers right. There are only seven players in the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, whose name traces to the ensemble’s origin in 1972 as the house band at the Dirty Dozen Social and Pleasure Club in New Orleans.

But the spirited ensemble that showed up at the Skirball Center on Sunday night represented far more than a revival of the second-line brass bands that once were ubiquitous at New Orleans funerals. Their opening number, in fact -- which featured drummer Terence Higgins, sousaphone player Julius McKee and guitarist Jamie McLean -- verged a lot closer to the sort of funk/fusion one might hear from someone like John Scofield.

When the other members -- baritone saxophonist Roger Lewis, tenor saxophonist Kevin Harris, trumpeter Efrem Towns and trombonist Revert Andrews -- joined in, the emphasis changed, but only slightly. The funk rhythms continued, enhanced by sizzling brass accents. And the improvised solos, especially Lewis’ and Andrews’, were delivered with imagination and swing.

It wasn’t until the second half of the evening, however, that the Dirty Dozen set aside its much touted eclecticism and dipped into the traditional tunes -- and gave the audience what most seemed to be anticipating.

Kicking off a medley that included versions of everything from “When the Saints Go Marching In� to “One O’Clock Jump� -- some instrumentals, some with vocals -- the group triggered a joyously dancing line of enthusiasts, waving their arms, wending through the auditorium. And with the room transformed into something resembling a Mardi Gras celebration, the fundamental appeal of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band became instantly clear.

*

Dirty Dozen

What: Dirty Dozen Brass Band, with Marcia Ball and Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys

Where: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos

When: Tonight, 8 p.m.

Cost: $25 to $55

Information: (800) 300-4345