| Gangbe Brass Band - Live at Joe's
Pub, New York City |
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| AfricaSounds was able to
witness the Gangbe Brass Band during their last appearance in New York
at the celebrated Joe's Pub. The performance was exhilarating,
with call and response vocals, chanting, Djembe and hand held percussion
instruments, tuba and brass section. Traditional music by definition is
played within a certain format. Gangbe brings two distinct traditions,
the Racine of traditional Benin peoples, and the military brass band
sound introduced historically during the European colonial era.
Drawing on these two traditions, Gangbe has forged a completely unique
synthesis that is an exciting sound with a surprisingly dynamic range.
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| This was their return to Joe's Pub after
their historic New York debut in 2002 which also included a set at
Carnegie Hall. On stage long passages of roots percussion and chants
were punctuated by decisive horn sections, continuing beneath trumpet
solos, as well as solos by saxophonists and trombonist. The large
brass section was anchored by the tuba playing and the mood ranged from
elements harking to Dixieland Jazz all the way to alternative jazz.
At many times the horns punctuated the music in a simialr vein to lead
guitar work of the classic West African bands. The set unfolded
with long extended songs and delightful tempo and melodic changes
effortlessly transforming each song surprising ways. |
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Two of Gangbe Brass Band's
releases that are more widely available - both are highly recommended: |
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