Cardiff-based jazz giants Wonderbrass reveal the origins and growth of their 25-strong musical troupe
“... we play anything from Dirty
Dozen tunes and ska classics to Lady Gaga and Calvin
Harris ”
roundup
Cardiff-based jazz giants Wonderbrass reveal the origins and growth of their 25-strong musical troupe
WHAT ’ S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH .
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How did Wonderbrass first come about ? Wonderbrass began in 1992 as a series of Pontypridd-based jazz workshops run by our musical director and composer Doctor Rob Smith . As part of the Valleys Live initiative that year , our first performances , dating from July 1992 , were in small communities such as Gurnos Estate , Merthyr , and similar estates around the valleys .
What ’ s so special about being a member of Wonderbrass ? Being in Wonderbrass is a fantastic experience : we get to work with some of the biggest names in music for collaborative projects , learning about different types of music and developing our playing styles . We travel across the UK and play alongside ( and sometimes with ) many high-profile musicians at prestigious events . Members have the chance to develop their musicality and performance style in a fun and supportive environment , and then we can go out and actually use what we ’ ve learned in professional situations , sometimes in front of huge audiences . It ’ s a chance to have some once-in-a-lifetime experiences and to meet and work with people you ’ d never have crossed paths with under any other circumstances . The band ’ s membership includes a wide range of ages , professions and levels of musical ability and training . The level of dedication to the band from members is genuinely amazing .
How has the group progressed over the years ? From a series of funded workshops based in Pontypridd , Wonderbrass has now become an internationally acclaimed , successful , evolving , dynamic group involved in huge musical events like Brecon Jazz , Durham Brass Festival and the 2012 Cultural Olympiad . We work with international artists , have produced seven albums and play regularly at many different kinds of events all year round .
What can audiences expect from a Wonderbrass show ? You can expect anything from a Wonderbrass show ; it ’ s unpredictable but always an incredible amount of fun . The players just pour so much energy into performances because we love doing it – we play anything from Dirty Dozen tunes and ska classics to Lady Gaga and Calvin Harris . There ’ s always dancing , laughing and passion wherever we play
This month catch Wonderbrass performing live at Blysh Festival , Cardiff Carnival and Brecon Jazz Festival . Info : www . wonderbrass . org . uk
“... we play anything from Dirty
Dozen tunes and ska classics to Lady Gaga and Calvin
Harris ”
SEAN LOCK St David ’ s Hall , Cardiff Fri 20 Sep Tickets : £ 22.50 Info : 029 2087 8500 www . stdavidshallcardiff . co . uk
KIDS IN GLASS HOUSES Cardiff University Students Union Thurs 3 Oct Tickets : £ 13.50 Info : 029 2078 1400 www . cardiffstudents . com
TOM ODELL Cardiff University Students Union Sat 12 Oct Tickets : £ 12 adv Info : 029 2078 1400 www . cardiffstudents . com
JAMIE CULLUM St David ’ s Hall , Cardiff Thurs 31 Oct Tickets : £ 37.50 Info : 029 2087 8500 www . stdavidshallcardiff . co . uk
STEREOPHONICS Motorpoint Arena , Cardiff Sun 24 Nov Tickets : £ 35 Info : 029 2022 4488 www . motorpointarenacardiff . co . uk
JOOLS HOLAND Motorpoint Arena , Cardiff Thurs 19 Dec Tickets : £ 40.75 Info : 029 2022 4488 www . motorpointarenacardiff . co . uk
THE NUTCRACKER St David ’ s Hall , Cardiff Thurs 19-Tue 24 Dec Tickets : £ 15.50 Info : 029 2087 8500 www . stdavidshallcardiff . co . uk
BUZZ 06