Slow & Steady Records Announces Release of Brass Magic's Fanfare

Track Listing & Notes

"Gun of a Son" (by Joseph Hartnett) is a driving, somersaulting piece featuring tenor saxophonist Raffi Garabedian engaged in a fiery call and response with the full ensemble.

"Gray Whale" (by Raffi Garabedian) emerges from the depths of a solo tuba improvisation performed by Jonathan Seiberlich with audio sculpting by recording engineer Jamie Riotto. The tune's loping groove opens up into Joseph Hartnett's characteristically breezy alto saxophone solo.

"Journey Around The Lake" (by Danny Lubin-Laden) moves between three different compositional zones. "I wanted the melodies and improvising to be over different feels and structures entirely new for the band," says Lubin-Laden. The title references Oakland's Lake Merritt, which members of the group walk, jog and hang out at regularly. The opening horn chorale develops into an exploratory dialogue between saxophonist Raffi Garabedian and drummer Adam Starkopf, evolving into an impassioned dirge. The second half of the composition serves to showcase Max Miller-Loran's crackling yet lyrical trumpet solo.

"Runabout" is the only cover featured on Fanfare, originally written and recorded by Swedish electro-pop band Little Dragon. "I first heard this song in 2015, and knew it'd be perfect for the band," says Ross Eustis, who arranged the song. "To me, its structure, groove and melodies simply fit the Brass Magic sound." The cover features pure-toned vocalist and longtime Brass Magic collaborator Kaila Ba?e, in addition to some friendly fire from the saxophone section.

"Fanfare" (by Ross Eustis) interweaves two joyous and repetitive riffs, over a fast three-beat rhythm. "I wanted to contribute an original that was high-energy, in your face, that sonically felt like Brass Magic, but was different than anything we'd played before," says Eustis, who wrote the title track. Eustis's explosive trumpet solo leads to a sinuous trombone solo from Rob Ewing, before saxophonist Hartnett brings the piece to a joyful yet introspective conclusion.

"For My Drummers" (by Adam Starkopf) is an homage to the great drummers who've influenced the band. "I wanted to relate what I feel when I listen to my heroes," says Starkopf. "Not limited to the drumming 'greats,' many of our musical peers are heroes as well, serving as inspirations to us all." The swinging mixed-meter introductory melody opens up into a soulful extended solo statement from trombonist Danny Lubin-Laden and an understated yet melodic drum solo from Starkopf.

"Song For Ghost Ship" (by Adam Starkopf) was written shortly after the tragic Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland. "I felt there needed to be a song that could pay reverence to the young artists who lost their lives pursuing their passions," says Starkopf. "I wanted their collective spirit to live forever. This song is for all of those affected by the fire." The somber march opens into a powerfully emotional trumpet statement from Miller-Loran

The incendiary Bay Area horns-and-drums band Brass Magic plays high-energy dance music infused with fresh, modern influences. Instead of the traditional New Orleans Second Line brass band approach that their instrumentation would suggest, Brass Magic merges hip-hop, rock, R&B, soul, world music, and electronic dance music into a contemporary sound that brings audiences to their feet.

Started in 2010 by trombonist Danny Lubin-Laden, Brass Magic originally existed as a casual assemblage of musician friends to play Lubin-Laden's compositions at house parties in the Bay Area. With a move to Brooklyn and recruitment of classmates from The New School to perform around New York City, the band developed solid performance experience and a fiery book of originals.

Moving back to the West Coast and settling in Oakland in 2013, Brass Magic have developed a hard-won following for their raucous live shows around the Bay Area at night clubs and impromptu busking gigs on city streets. While holding down a weekly residency at San Francisco's endeared Madrone Art Bar, Brass Magic has performed at the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, Live Oak Music Festival, SFJAZZ, The Independent, Great American Music Hall, The Chapel, The New Parish, The Echo (LA) and shared the stage with The California Honeydrops, Rebelution, Man Man, Landlady, Bells Atlas, Zongo Junction and Moon Hooch.