In conversation with Arjen Attema from the Broken Brass Ensemble 

The Dutch brass band performs in Bengaluru 
Pic: MARC DE FOTOGRAAF
Pic: MARC DE FOTOGRAAF

New Orleans jazz is a genre of music that boasts giants such as Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington, but The Broken Brass Ensemble takes inspiration from many other artistes to create their signature sound. “Everything from hip-hop to funk to heavy metal and more, is an inspiration. Of course, brass masters like Trombone Shorty come to mind, but Kendrick Lamar is also an influence, as well as Snarky Puppy, Vulfpeck and old school Metallica,” says Arjen Attema, the trombone player. The Dutch band plays live in the city at the Johnnie Walker - The Journey with Broken Brass Ensemble event. 

The eight-piece outfit got together five years ago. They wanted people to know that the Dutch can play brass music and that the genre is fit for pop-festivals as well. “We all like different kinds of music; it ranges from grindcore metal to heavy funk and hardcore hip-hop. But we have a shared love for brass and jazz,” adds Arjen. 

The band’s latest album is Astonishing Tales from Beyond the Brass Dimension. Thema-tically, all titles refer to ’20s to ’50s sci-fi, which is evident in the artwork. Musically, Arjen says they wanted to take it further than they did on their last album, Brasshopper, and make a more coherent and dynamic album. “The Unusual and the Unknown, The Hitchhiker and Cuzco are massive crowd favourites,” he shares.
It is the band’s first time in India and they are certainly excited. “We can only say we are going to work our a**es off to make it a night everybody will remember with dancing, celebration, sing alongs and more,” Arjen signs off enthusiastically. 

Rs. 480. Tomorrow, 8 pm. At The Ritz-Carlton, Bengaluru, Residency Road


 anagha@newindianexpress.com
 @anaghzzz

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