James Brown was a singer, songwriter and band leader. His voice was very much in the soul / gospel tradition, but as his popularity grew he started to Africanize his music by making it very rhythm based. Much of the accompaniment to his vocal lines required rhythmically interlocked parts and this in turn demanded greater instrumentation. The inclusion of a brass section within James Brown’s band was a major feature, paving the way for the Funk musical style that followed. Mister Dynamite was a nickname given to James Brown in recognition of his dynamic stage presence.
Part of a collection of thirty original compositions and arrangements entitled Ba-Da-Boom Brass.
Inspired by the heritage and culture of world and historical brass-related styles.
We hope this repertoire will prompt a growing inquisitiveness for brass players of all ages and styles and was created with a brass club or gathering in mind.
Set at a moderate / training band standard, these pieces can be played by a flexi group of mixed brass instruments plus assorted optional percussion.
A minimum of 4 brass players is necessary, but the maximum is limitless.
All 4 brass voices have occasional divisi passages; in these instances more texture and harmonic colour is added.
In the instance of using just four brass players, playing just the top part in each case will provide a cohesive performance.
