Lowdown Brass Band

Brass bands are known for keeping it funky. There were scores of marching bands over the past ten years who combined the intensity and sheer volume of college marching bands with the ferocity of punk bands, all while covering The Meters, P-Funk, JB, and a slew of funky music. The Lowdown Brass band keep their sound in the tradition of a Southern brass band with its classic instrumentation. This ten piece power house features trumpets, tenor and baritone saxes, sousaphones, trombones, and battery (aka percussion). Influenced by these past brass bands as well as soul, funk, reggae, hip hop, and R & B, the Lowdown Brass Band flexes their chops on their new record Lowdown Sounds. A melting pot of funkiness, this record showcases a talented group of musicians who have one thing in common: they play the funk and soul like it’s the last day on earth. Needle dropping this LP we hear many influences. From the gospel clap of “I’ve Got That Feeling” to Nawlins stomp of “Big Shirley” to the Latin tinged “Quieres Bailar”, these musicians know their music and know it well. We are digging the slow grinding “Eazy Greazy” and the funky soundtrack sound of “Death Blow”. Combining their music with a call and response symphony, they are not just playing to the audience, they are getting them involved. Wallflowers take note, The Lowdown Brass Band will get you up and dancing, even if it’s in your office cubicle. However, as far as songs go, we have saved the best for last, a stunning cover of Roy Ayers’ “Everybody Loves The Sunshine”, that features Ayers himself on vocals. A beautiful rendition of this classic, this version will take you from Chicago’s harsh winters to the warm beach at 57th Street mid-summer. It’s a blast from the past and has the band in full summer swing, Roy crooning like the old days never left. Watch out for the funky vibe breakdown as well, it’s dope. One last note on these guys: they are not just professional musicians, but educators as well, traveling to educational institutions to offer classes from beginner to masters, as well as performances and assemblies for kids of all ages. Right on, they give back too. Lowdown Sounds is out on 9/19 on cd and vinyl. Everyone needs a little brass band in their life.
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“Get up everybody, clap your hands and stomp your feet – it’s time to get funky!� I kid you not, these guys woke me up with a tuba keeping the main beat/rhythm for the first good portion of the song. There’s no way to be lazy when somebody is working this hard to be happy. Fun fun way to start the week – thanks! Foot tapping or body swaying, doesn’t matter which – the week is started with a smile. Shoutout for Move Everybody, Everybody Get Up! High energy brass, with a hilarious drummer who knows how to keep my feet in high spirits, and several reed players who are able to keep the brass on their toes while the rest of us digest this meal with deep pleasure. - eartaste.blogspot