The group was formed in 1975 by Rich Matteson and Harvey Phillips as a way to make a unique contribution to the First International Brass Congress in Montreux, Switzerland, the following year. Other members included Ashley Alexander (trombone), Steve Harlos (piano), Jack Petersen (trombone and guitar), John Marcellus ( euphonium), R. Winston Morris (tuba), and Daniel Perantoni (tuba). The band played at the Adelaide Festival in Australia in February 1978 and at other venues in Australia, including the Sydney Opera House. They set attendance records at The Basement, a Sydney jazz club.