With two brilliant 10-inch records released independently plus acclaimed live performances in Europe and back home in the States, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble are showing serious talent with their blend of jazz, hip hop and marching bands creating an ever-growing fan base.

The first single ‘Jupiter’ builds with majestic ease as a repeated melody charms, accentuated by sharp bursts. Aquilla Sadalla’s sumptuous vocals glide in late on and the track moves into phenomenal realms, “I am the moon, the stars, the planets…” An idyllic contrast arrives on the flip side with ‘Balicky Bon’ full of brass bursts and surges driven along with hard crisp drums. A sign towards the direction of their next release.

The first I heard of Hypnotic Brass was via Michael Rütten’s Soulsearching radioshow while the act were touring Europe late last year, captivated by their energy, musical texture, and the emotiveness that emerges as in John Coltrane’s music I eagerly wanted to hear more. To my dismay I missed their UK gigs, including a show at Blacktronica with Charlie Dark, however plans are in place for the group to return East later in the year, pleasing me and I expect many others considering they have since been playlisted by top UK DJs Patrick Forge and Gilles Peterson.

Captivated by their energy, musical texture, and the emotiveness that emerges as in John Coltrane’s music I eagerly wanted to hear more.

Covered with the same minimal artwork, though with the added extra of well-placed silhouetted birds, the second 10” is as impressive as the first. The mood is set by the blurb on the back which announces: “The songs on this record are a pair of fight songs”. ‘War’ charges along as immense energy combines with superb melodies, its brilliance meant I had to include it in my guest slot at My Favourite Things. ‘Mercury’ is built around lovely trumpet and trombone lines, underscored by sublime deep frequencies from the tuba with excellent body-moving drumming and some amazing grooves.

This is essential listening for music lovers who enjoy Robert Glasper and Mos Def, both of whom Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have played alongside. For more sounds similar to the Hypnotic crew check the Hot 8 Brass Band from New Orleans.

Links:
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble’s myspace
Their brilliant blog
Sousaphone info
Hot 8 Brass Band — including free downloads of album tracks
Blacktronica
Soulsearching hosted by Michael Rütten — the Compost Radio Show