The National Orchestra was a historic extended New Orleans jazz ensemble that existed for nearly two decades beginning in 1913. Martin Gabriel, whose full name was Martin Manuel Gabriel Sr., played both cornet in the group and seemed to be the nominal leader; at any rate, the group ceased functioning following his death in 1932. The well-known New Orleans jazz cornet and trumpet player Freddie Keppard was a member of this group, but he was just one of many players outnumbered by members of the Gabriel family.

The Gabriel name, as is typical with musical family dynasties from this city, became influential as various offspring of the cornetist and bandleader made their way through the music world. All the children were at one time members of the aforementioned orchestra as well as a family-only band. Percy Gabriel, finally settling on bass after dallying with the tenor sax, perhaps traveled the widest, showing up in Chicago, New York City, Texas, and the West Coast, as well as at home in company of players such as Papa Celestin. Martin Gabriel, Jr. is a clarinetist who eventually co-led a band with Percy Gabriel, based out of Detroit but not playing Motown. Other members of the family included uncle Albert Dude Gabriel, another clarinetist and Gabriel Sr.'s older brother by one year; the drummer and clarinetist Manny Gabriel; sister Alberta Gabriel, a pianist; and last but not least Clarence Gabriel, performing on both banjo and piano. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi