Halifax Jazz Fest - Day 6 - The Chronos Band
How did all of you come together to collaborate?
RR: The band blossomed from
a trio that was playing Latin jazz around Halifax the past few years.
When I started composing for the band, it became clear a trio wouldn't
match the sound I was hearing, so we added players one by one until eventually
you've got this nine-piece band, which doesn't really play Latin jazz at all.
How
would you describe The Chronos Band's musical style?
RR: The best description
I've heard of our sound came from a friend of mine who called it
"Instrumental Afro-Soul". The music draws on a mixture of
influences, including Fela Kuti, early Santana, James Brown & The Budos
Band, but we write and play all our own tunes.
What
are the range of instruments played by you and the other eight musicians?
RR: The heart of the band
is our three-piece percussion section including trap set, congas and timbales.
Then you've got guitar, keys and bass doing their thing too, and our
three-piece horn section of trumpet, sax & trombone is definitely the
sugary ribbon that ties it all together.
What
will audience members experience at your show tonight?
RR:
Our
audience can expect a set with good energy, a high quality of musicianship and
group communication, but always with a strong groove to make the people move
and feel good. Really it's just party music.
Which
acts do you want to catch at this year's Halifax Jazz Fest?
RR: Cyndi Cain's album
release at The Marquee July 13th is gonna be a bumpin' show.
I'll be on the road again with my other band so I'll have to miss it
unfortunately, but if you can get there, DO IT!www.halifaxjazzfestival.ca
