When father meets sons, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble has quite a lot of potential to set free. Not only was Kelan Philip Cohran member of Sun Ra’s Arkestra, he also inspired the unusual sound of his eight sons through ways of his education. But this time, the mix of funk, brass and Hip Hop does not seem to be the leading principle anymore. »Zincali« frays out a melody, until it comes together in the end again, but rather as an atmosphere than an actual sound. At least, »Roust About« tries to pump it up a bit, although rather temperately. No fanfares, no fire on metal sheets – the focus is much rather on music as a form of meditation. Luckily, it’s not too brainy, but then again, it’s not really surprising, either. Quite a few tracks start out with the low tones of a tuba, like »Ancestral« and »Pontiac«. The music is much closer to the style of Kelan Philip Cohran than the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, which might have a special appeal. But at some points, the sheer power is missing, which normally finds its way through the melodies and allows itself to be taken by the rhythm. »Frankincense And Myrrh« gives us a idea, what that might sound like, but then backpedals at the crucial moment – there’s just too much potential being left to die. But no one in this project really seems to care. And who are we to nag at a family party?
Various Artists
Shanghai’d Soul: Episode 12
The Numero Group