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Music for Brass Band
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American band that has spanned the musical genres of R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Disco, Pop, Dance, Latin and Afro Pop. They have been described as one of the most innovative and are among the most commercially successful acts in history. With sales of over 90 million records, they are one of the world's best-selling bands of all time. The band was founded in Chicago by Maurice White in 1969, having grown out of a previous band known as the Salty Peppers. The band is known for its Kalimba sound, dynamic horn section, energetic and elaborate stage shows and the contrast between Philip Bailey's falsetto vocals and Maurice White's baritone. EWF has been sampled by artists such as Missy Elliott, Public Enemy, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, the Fugees, LL Cool J and Basement Jaxx. They have influenced artists such as Beyoncé, will.i.am, Prince, Pharrell Williams and Gloria Estefan. Miles Davis described EWF as his all-time favourite band, saying, they have everything - horns, electric guitars, singers and more in one band. Quincy Jones proclaimed himself to be their biggest fan.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music. In 2020 Jock was awarded an “Honorary Fellowship of the University of Winchester” for services to music education. Currently Jock is working part-time for the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama; providing tuition for their Brass Teaching Module. In 2024 Jock was given the award for “Services to Youth” by Brass Bands England.
