Young Toronto collective THE HEAVYWEIGHTS BRASS BAND will come out swinging at this summer’s jazz festivals, culminating in a bare-knuckle knockout of a debut CD release concert at Toronto’s Harbourfront mainstage Friday, Sept 2nd.
Not since 1980s band The Shuffle Demons has there been such a fresh and fun take on jazz. Not your standard jazz fare, the band’s repertoire delivers a diverse range of music with a punch that makes jazz accessible for everyone.
The gloves are off when it comes to their choice and interpretation of songs. They range from funk, soul, R&B, and traditional New Orleans jazz to tasteful retro throwbacks (including War and Michael Jackson) to artistes du jour Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga. Add some Latin/world music influences and outstanding original compositions and you have a unique, energetic mix that never fails to get folks moving and shaking.
The 13-track Don’t Bring Me Down was recorded at CBC’s studio 211 with engineer Dennis Patterson (Mariah Carey, Deborah Cox) and mixes by the great John “Beetle” Bailey (Molly Johnson, Harry Manx) at “The Drive Shed” studio. The album includes Cuban sonero/rapper Ogguere and soul/rock vocal powerhouse Saidah Baba Talibah.
The 20-ish professional musicians assembled in 2009. Since then the current configuration – Chris Butcher (trombone), Paul Metcalfe (saxophones), Jon Challoner (trumpet), Rob Teehan (sousaphone) and Lowell Whitty (drums) – of the sometimes parading/marching band has gained a strong following. Members of the band have already earned individual national recognition, including a Western Canadian Music Award, a Galaxie Rising Star Award, and a JUNO award.
The band has already garnered rave reviews and has been very visible this summer at Toronto’s TD Jazz (Canada Day) and Beaches festivals.
WEBSITES: www.heavyweightsbrassband.com YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/user/heavyweightsbrass
Publicity: SPEAK Music www.speak-music.com Beverly Kreller bev@speak-music.com 416-922-3620
"A stellar group of musicians... you will be knocked out by their infectious rhythms." ~ Moreen Murray (Jazz.FM91)
“Aside from their cordless instruments that harken back to a New Orleans of yesteryear, what’s all the fuss about? Drumroll, please. It’s the repertoire they arrange, from Lady Gaga and Beyoncé to Michael Jackson and Justin Bieber. GASP!” ~ The WholeNote
“Very exciting and inspiring. Not at all predictable, and great musicianship happening here!” ~ Alex Cuba
“The writing is top notch... this is take no prisoners funky groove music at its best with plenty to keep the ears happy while the butt shakes!” ~ Richard Underhill
CD Baby