Horndog Brass Band

Horndog Brass Band is a brass group with origins in Greece and an active span that runs from 1960 to the present. The group is associated with horn-led funk and instrumental music, and its line-up includes Τάσος Βαλκάνης, Παντελής Στόικος, Χρήστος Χασάπης, Γιώργος Βαλκάνης and Λάζαρος Βαλκάνης.

Background and formation

The band begins in 2009, when it forms around members drawn from several Scottish acts gathered at the debut Kelburn Garden Party near Largs. Those musicians come from groups including Bombskare, Orkestra del Sol, Black Cat, The Banana Sessions and Hidden Orchestra. The first appearance leads to an impromptu walkabout performance in the woods around Kelburn Castle after the band draws the main-stage crowd away.

Style and repertoire

Horndog Brass Band plays a style that connects funk and jazz with hip hop and contemporary music. Its repertoire includes original material written by musical directors Tom Pickles and Tom Donaldson, brassed-up versions of songs from across popular music, and funk with a New Orleans influence. The covers mentioned range from Aerosmith to the Grange Hill theme tune. The group cites Dirty Dozen, Rebirth and Youngblood Brass Bands, Galactic, Lou Donaldson and Herbie Hancock among its key influences.

Live work and notable appearances

After its early festival appearance, the band performs on the streets of Edinburgh during the Fringe and at Edinburgh Festival events, including an onstage debut at the Picturehouse venue in front of a 1,200-strong audience. That performance sees it act as backing band for Amanda Palmer, building on earlier guest appearances by Horndogs Andy, Tim and Jamie on the lead single “Leeds United” from Who Killed Amanda Palmer. The group also tours the Scottish Highlands, appears at the Insider festival in Aviemore and Edinburgh’s Meadows festival, and provides entertainment at the launch of the Edinburgh Film Festival, where it performs for Sir Sean Connery.

Reception

The band’s live show is described in terms of energy, volume and stamina, and its broad, multi-genre approach is presented as a defining feature of the act.