SLAVIC SOUL PARTY
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
Slavic Soul Party brings its long-running Tuesday residency to Barbès with a nine-piece brass-band lineup: John Carlson and Kenny Warren on trumpet, Peter Hess on saxophone and clarinet, Peter Stan on accordion, Tim Vaughn and Adam Dotson on trombone, Ken Bentley on tuba, plus Matt Moran and Chris Stromquist on percussion. The set is billed as a meeting of Balkan brass, funk grooves, Roma accordion playing and jazz virtuosity, with the band’s full horn-and-rhythm force at the core.
Based in New York City, Slavic Soul Party has forged what the venue calls “a virtuosic new brass band music” over 18 years of Tuesday performances. Their weekly run has become a draw for local listeners and brass-band fans visiting from around the world. The group’s sound is described in characteristically direct terms as “fiery Balkan brass” and “throbbing funk grooves,” while the listing also points to its “virtuoso jazz chops.” That combination places accordion alongside a brass front line, low tuba pulse and percussion, giving the band a broad, driving ensemble sound rather than a conventional jazz-group setup.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.