20th Century Music

One of Venezuela's most impressive educational programs in the world is the music program from El Sistema. They are known for making exceptionally talented musicians, that are in important positions across the world. The Venezuelan Brass Ensemble drawn musicians from the Simón Bolivar Youth Orchestra and assemble this group with almost 50 brass instruments and percussion. This is an arrangement of Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, arranged for this specific ensemble. 

 

Next, I'd like to talk about Histoire du Soldat. This composition of Igor Stravinsky is composed for an octet and a narrator telling the story of this soldier who met the devil. Some may argue that this is not in fact a brass ensemble because it only has one trumpet (originally written for cornet) and one trombone in adition to the clarinet, bassoon, violin, bass and percussion. It is nonetheless a very interesting piece.

 

 

Never stop swingin'! 

Hypnotic Brass

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble is a group made by seven Chicago brothers who moved to Brooklyn, NY. They are having a quick ascension in the world of music for the past 20 years. They have a funky, jazzy sound, full of groove and good feeling vibes. The ensemble has performed at the Carnegie Hall, at the Sydney Opera House, at Coachella and at the Lincoln Center, and is gaining great relevance in the world.

 

Never stop swingin'!

Mixed Brass

 To keep sharing things I like to listen to, I'd like to keep going with the award winning jazz trombonist Marshall Gilkes. Gilkes was trained by Juilliard, and was part of the faculty of the Manhattan School of Music, of the Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory of Music. In 2020, he composed "Cyclic Journey" to be released in 2022. The record features Marshall Gilkes on trombone/composition; Brandon Ridenour on trumpet and piccolo; Ethan Bensdorf on trumpet and flugelhorn; Tony Kadleck on trumpet and piccolo; Adam Unsworth on horn; Joseph Alessi on trombone; Demondrae Thurman on euphonium; Nick Schwartz on bass trombone; Marcus Rojas on tuba.

 

 

James Brown often used brass instruments in his albums. With one or two trumpets, a trombone and a few saxophones, the JB's made an impression that changed the course of music. With no need to more introduction, here is Doing It To Death, by James Brown and the J.B's.

 

 

Never stop swingin'!