Brassroots

Brassroots is a London-based UK brass band formed in 2008. It is an 8-piece horn and percussion ensemble made up of musicians from England, Israel, France, Greece and the United States. The group works across dance, funk, jazz and soul, and presents popular music in a brass-led live format.

Background

The band forms in East London with the aim of building a stronger brass band scene in London and bringing live instrumental music back into mainstream performance. Its approach centres on rearranging familiar music for horns and percussion, rather than using a standard rock or pop lineup.

Live activity and recognition

Brassroots quickly builds a live reputation through performances at Scala in King’s Cross, Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Festibelly and Bestival, where it plays seven shows. Its performances also lead to radio play on BBC Radio 1 with Rob da Bank, BBC Kent with Sean Rowley, Magic and Choice FM with Chris Philips and Calvin Francis, and KCRW in Los Angeles with Jeremy Sole.

Style

The group is associated with brass-led versions of popular music and with an energetic live sound rooted in jazz, funk, dance and soul. It is presented as part of the UK brass band tradition while also drawing on the members’ international backgrounds.