Brass Queens
Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1
**** out of *****
The Brooklyn based, brass band outfit, Brass Queens continue their evolution with their first collection of all original tunes titled, Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1. It is their strongest release so far.
The band, Alex Harris (trumpet), Stephanie King (trumpet), Minerva Johnson (trumpet & aux percussion), Ally Chapel (alto sax), Jenna Murdoch (tenor sax), Stephanie Young (trombone), Elizabeth Arce (trombone), Nora Nalepka (sousaphone), Ashley Baier (drums), Caitlin Cawley (aux percussion) are in synch from the first notes.
Opener "Look At Me Now" takes New Orleans based 2nd line marching (which is the foundation of the groups sound), chants of empowerment and propulsive brass blasts that feels like they will never end (in a good way). The band's clear love of New Orleans flows through all of their music, and their first track on this all-original album lays that out from the start.
Drumming kicks off "Make Believe" as the sax moves, the sousaphone pumps and the trumpet pops while "Hot Tub Hotel II" uses a great groove and more blaring brass. The good times roll on as "Night Wine" intoxicates with a head bopping beat and horns that build to a bad ass climax before the best tune rolls out "Moon Shine". This effort uses excellent sousaphone work as the foundation for the dance ready track, the drums keep the hips shaking in an 80's pop/funk style, as the sax snakes with grace and power, a real winner.
Unfortunately, "Sleepover Energy" feels too cluttered with a few too many musical thoughts/lines flowing throughout but things instantly improve on "Take The Throne" with the tracks meaty grooves and huge breaks. The album wraps up on a high note as well with the dramatic swelling of "Karma Queen" deploys big hits expertly.
As the Brass Queens continue to evolve, their first extended dip to presenting their own tunes, Hot Tub Sessions Vol. 1 is a certified winner, proving they have a lot to offer with original works.
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