On Friday night on my way to the gym I was fortunate enough to catch a performance by the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble on the west side of Union Square. This young eight piece band--composed of seven sons of Sun Ra Arkestra trumpeter Kelan Phil Cohran in addition to the drummer who is practically an unofficial member of the family--is one of the standouts among the static of New York City street performers and buskers. The New York Times describes their sound as follows:
Their syncopated, often lyrical tone — incorporating jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop — is produced by horns that now look like world-worn hand-me-downs. Still, the instruments do the job, resonating off buildings blocks away.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/2253211]
Listen to a few tracks from one of their albums. Enjoy.
[audio http://www.switchpod.com/users/mrod/01Track01.m4a]
[audio http://www.switchpod.com//users/mrod/04Track04.m4a]
[audio http://www.switchpod.com/users/mrod/07Track07.m4a]