Hypnotic Brass Ensemble at London Scala
The Chicago-based Hypnotic Brass Ensemble (HBE) certainly did not need to resort to hypnosis to move London Scala’s crowd on Monday 26th April. Their energy is so infectious, that it took me an enormous amount of concentration and wilpower to write notes during the show and resist the overwhelming desire to join in the dancing of the delirious audience.
HBE are the eight sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran, joined by a drummer. They play trumpet, trombone, baritone horn and the very impressive sousaphone –“the one that goes round the player’s body and sits on his shoulder”.
The most striking feature of HBE’s music is that they know exactly how to blend their hip hop and jazz roots into a unique and versatile sound. It is sharp, powerful, exciting and raw.Although the very first opening act was rather forgettable, HBE’s set was preceded by an extraordinary performance from Canadian afrobeat 6-piece band Souljazz Orchestra, which ended in a special feature tribute to Fela Kuti.
HBE started with a super punchy urban track, with ultra-fast no-messin’ rapped vocals, which was followed by 8 tracks from their vast repertoire, each one delivered flawlessly. That is unless the occasional explicit lyrics are considered a flaw.
The excellent Smoov #%&@ from the album The Brothas was absolutely magnificent. Icing on the cake, these guys really know how to shake it. For their encore they invited members of the public –mainly female– to join them on stage to dance, seemingly possessed, whilst they kept on playing a soca style piece. One can legitimately question the absence from the set of some of the splendid tracks from HBE’s last album The Brothas such as Planet Gibbous or Toussaint.
The band features on the new Gorillaz album Plastic Beach, and may even support them on their forthcoming London show at Camden Roundhouse.
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is truly phenomenal.
Next UK show:
31 July 2010
Field Day
Victoria Park
Next album release:
April 2010
The Heritage
great review Chris’ !
what about HBE coming in France ?
is there any plan for a French tour ?
cheers