After hearing thier performance of 'War' on Later..with Jools Holland, I was immediately impressed and set about finding any of their material. Sadly the internet was, for once, supplying the bare minimum but I had hope. Their debut album was to be released in three weeks time and I was saved.
After ... Read review
A review by roverbowden on Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Hypnotic Brass Ensemble July 12th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Originality
Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics
Dire
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Catchy tunes, no really bad songs
Disadvantages:
None
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
After hearing thier performance of 'War' on Later..with Jools Holland, I was immediately impressed and set about finding any of their material. Sadly the internet was, for once, supplying the bare minimum but I had hope. Their debut album was to be released in three weeks time and I was saved. After buying the album (£10 from HMV) it was hard, like with so many albums, to decide whether I really enjoyed it. However after a few repeats it did start to grow on me and out of it grew some intense and incredibly catchy tunes. Many friends and family have criticised the songs for being 'samey' or for the lack of lyrics. However this does little to divulge my attention. After familiarizing yourself with the CD, the songs begin to stand out and make easy listening, whether to relax or exercise etc. I particularly enjoy 'war', 'alyo', 'Marcus Garvey', 'Party Started' and 'Hypontic'. They are a great example of rags to riches and I am sure they have a massive future performing. If you like jazz, or even dont, this album is very entertaining and is great for background at a party, relaxation or for anything else. You will not be let down, and for ten pounds, it was a great buy!
Album Notes: Geographically and genetically, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has ties to the Chicago avant garde: the group's seven brass players are the children of trumpeter Phil Cochran, formerly of Sun Ra's Arkestra and a founding member of Chicago's Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. But the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble's music has much more to do with the New Orleans contemporary brass band tradition as practiced by stalwarts like the Rebirth Brass Band. Sporting a bold brass line, bouncing tuba, and simple, funky percussion, Hypnotic channels the heritage of ceremonial brass band music through the 21st century, incorporating funk and hip-hop influences. The music is danceable, fun, and accessible, but also inventive in its conception and arrangements.
Album Reviews: Q (Magazine) (p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 -- "[A] thrilling distillation of their roots and influences: Duke Ellington's big band sound; charged Afrobeat; Cuban-flavoured marching jazz; block-rocking hip hop."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Alyo
2.: Gibbous
3.: War
4.: Ballicki Bone
5.: Flipside
6.: Marcus Garvey
7.: Jupiter
8.: Party Started
9.: Rabbit Hop
10.: Sankofa
11.: Hypnotic
12.: Satin Sheets
13.: Rabbit Hop
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 29/05/2009
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