7 Modern Brass bands you need to hear now

Brass playing is often thought of in relation to old forms, classical and jazz compositions and vintage appeal. But brass playing isn’t always a blast from the past. In this short article we present you with a list of some of the most innovative brass bands and individuals who are blaring notes of the present and the future…

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No BS! Brass Band

This enthusiastic band of brass specialists from Richmond, Virginia, USA really doesn’t mess around (hence the name No BS! No bullshit). This 11-piece band, consisting of a drummer, a saxophonist and 9 brass players know how to entertain, incorporating vocals sung through a megaphone in their performance!

Funky Dawgz Brass Band

These funk masters from Connecticut, USA take traditional New Orleans R&B, hip hop, funk and today’s top hits (as well as original songs) and present them in a fun brassy-funky way. Get ready to dance:

Riot Jazz Brass Band

This 9-piece brass band from Manchester, UK know how to throw a party. With 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, drums and a sousaphone they take it to the next level energised by vocalist and frontman MC Chunky. Get into it:

Viera Blech

This locally-famous 7-piece brass band from Tyrol, Austrian somehow manages to organise a huge collaboration between band and audience at the Brass Woodstock festival. Check out this incredible moment:

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

No, this is not Eminem’s backing band, this is a New Orleans brass band that goes waaay back to 1977 but never ceases to amaze with their innovation and their relevance in current times. They updated the traditional New Orleans jazz style by incorporating funk and bebop into their sound. As time passes their roster gets updated with some of the world’s best young talent, it’s sure to make you move. Put this to the test:

Red Baraat

Red Baraat is a unique band from Brooklyn, New York. What makes them unique is their blend of North Indian bhangra music with jazz, hip-hop, indie rock and punk attitude. Conceived by dhol player Sunny Jain, the group consists of a trumpet, trombone, sousaphone, soprano sax, electric guitar, drums, dhol, varied percussion and effect pedals! Have you ever heard anything like this before?

Lucky Chops

This underground (literally) band has been seen entertaining New York City’s subway commuters for several years. They captivate spectators with relentless energy and catch their ears by covering some major hits from the 80s, 90s and beyond. Even if in a hurry, how could you not stop and watch these guys?

What do you think of brass music today? Have you seen any of these acts live? Which ones did we miss? Let us know in the comments below or below the Facebook post. 

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Joe has been singing since he can remember and started playing guitar when he was 10. He's been using it as a songwriting tool ever since. He is passionate about melody and harmony and admires musicians who create these in unique ways. Check out his alternative / indie projects Best of Feelings and Zef Raček.

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