Coming to Clwb Ifor Bach this month is Chicago’s Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, who will be bringing their accomplished mix of jazz, funk, hip-hop and world styles. All seven members of the Ensemble are sons of Phil Cohran, himself an accomplished jazz musician who played in Sun Ra’s Arkestra in the 50s and 60s, and later with Earth, Wind & Fire. The brothers were taught by their father from a young age, and originally performed as the Phil Cohran Youth Ensemble. In 1999 they ceased playing with their father, and changed their name to Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.
In the years that followed they’ve released nearly an album a year and collaborated with more famous artists than you can shake a particularly large stick at, including Ghostface Killah, Damon Albarn, Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen, and Mos Def. Their most recent album, Sound Rhythm & Form, is garnering all kinds of positive reviews and recommendations, and they’ve also recently collaborated with rapper Math Man on his newest album Hyp Hop.
The HBE are known for their tight, energetic performances, and have performed at high-profile concerts around the world, supporting Prince & The New Power Generation on a tour of Denmark at Prince’s personal request. This promises to be one of the most exciting gigs of the autumn, and should be a real treat for all lovers of jazz.
Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff. Wed 28 Sept, Tickets: £15. Info: 029 2023 2199 (DG)