Hypnotic Brass Ensemble featuring special guest Talib Kweli
Blue Note131 West 3rd Street, New York 10012
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble brings its eight-brother brass-band formation to Blue Note, with Talib Kweli billed as special guest. The night joins the group’s densely arranged horn writing and rhythmic drive with a guest whose history with the ensemble includes work around Black Star. It is a meeting with real precedent rather than a one-off pairing: Kweli is among the artists with whom the band has collaborated, and the program places their brass-led sound alongside his hip-hop presence.
Chicago-based Hypnotic Brass Ensemble consists of sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran, himself a member of the Sun Ra Arkestra. The brothers began playing together as the Phil Cohran Youth Ensemble and later busked on Chicago streets before reaching wider audiences. Their sound draws together jazz, funk, hip-hop, rock, calypso and gypsy influences, a blend they call “now music” or “Hypnotic.” Known for intricate contrapuntal brass arrangements and strong grooves, they have also worked with Mos Def, Gorillaz, Snoop Dogg, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Prince, Tony Allen and Wu-Tang Clan. Reviews of their self-titled 2009 album noted its spirited, soulful sound, intricate brass harmonies and rhythmic force.
Blue Note Jazz Club is a dedicated listening room in the heart of Manhattan's jazz district, where the music is the focus and the space is designed to let the sound fill the room. The club features a stage with a small audience area, and the atmosphere is one of quiet concentration on the music. Shows typically begin at 8:00 PM with a second set at 10:30 PM, and the audience sits on chairs close to the stage. The club has a bar, and drinks are available. The experience is primarily about listening to live jazz, with occasional gospel and soul performances, and the audience often stays to talk and enjoy the music after the sets.