A decade after their genesis playing for pedestrians to raise tuition funds, DuPont Brass is teaching us how it’s done via their album “Music Education”. Class is in session ‘round midnight’ as the opening track of the same name reimagines Thelonious Monk’s most notable composition. An album title which alludes to a musical conservatory is fitting given the fact that DuPont Brass leverages several of our most prominent musical traditions. Trap drums and vocal ad libs put a modern spin on the Jazz Standard, ‘Round Midnight’. Neo Soul meets Earth Wind and Fire on “Bring That Ass Here”. And ‘Homecoming’ serves up soothing R&B. The most impressive thing about this album is how eclectic it is without sacrificing quality. They are jacks of all trades, and they have mastered them as well. The musicians and producers of DuPont Brass are able to leverage all styles - including the modern melding of soul and pop in “Drippin”, “To the End” and “Au Naturale”. They are able to create distinct sounding, genre bending songs because they have cultivated musicianship, theory, and the art of performance during their own “Music Education”. The 2020 Olympics may have been postponed, but it’s time to award DuPont Brass the gold. Jazz, Gospel, Soul, and Hip Hop are this year’s summer events and DuPont is going for the full sweep. But don’t take our word for it, listen and you be the judge.