Customer Reviews

Unlearn

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3 star:		(1)
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I first became aware of Youngblood Brass Band at a concert on the third floor of an old warehouse in LaCrosse, WI. I rarely buy CDs these days, but I bought their first two albums immediately. Their blend of New Orleans jazz and hip-hop, with distinct flavors of Afro-Cuban percussion and an arranging style with hints of top-level drum corps (no doubt gleaned from co-creator David Henzie-Skogen's stint in the Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps), is not only one of the most seamless crossover styles ever created, but also has more raw passion and power than any other band I've ever heard. The other co-creator, sousaphonist Nat McIntosh, has such technical majesty you'll wonder if your ears are hallucinating. Throughout his material, he makes a tuba sound like a dj turntable, electro-synthetic bass, rock organ, and even some sounds that defy classification. Having started playing together in high school, the core of the band has developed an incredibly tight synchronization with each other, and it shows. Each of their songs is well-crafted and has beautiful transitions and grooves in it. Their infectious fire will keep you dancing and humming their tunes to yourself for weeks, even months. And "fire" really is the only word to describe it; it's like having a horn line throw gasoline on you, a snare drummer/mc master strike a match to you, and then having a whole sousaphone full of liquid oxygen dumped on you just to kick it up a notch. In short, there is no band more passionate about what they do or how they do it.

This album is my favorite out of the three they've released to date. The balance of parts and influences is perfect. No one song on the album really stands out, but that's because they all approach such a high level of quality. If anything could be said against this album, it is that I sometimes find that a few of the songs blend together. Nearly all of their material is based on simple minor descending/ascending chord progressions, but for what they're trying to do, this is totally appropriate. Compared to "Word On The Street," their first album, the sound is much more solid and rehearsed. Tracks like "Bloodshot" and "It's All Over" are classic Youngblood; their covers of Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" and Madonna's "Human Nature" are perfectly arranged; "Acousticon Theme" is a slower, meaty groove that will give you chills. "Da Bomba" is their nod to their latin roots, while "Chinatown" is essentially straight-up New Orleans jazz. And don't miss Nat's solo track, "The Warrior Comes Out To Play." Overall, this is probably my favorite album out of the past ten years. Enjoy.

Anyone reading this should know that i never heard of YB till i saw them perform in a tiny club in St. Joseph's MI. They were one of the best bands i have ever seen perform. When i got their CD, i assumed it would be quite a change from the intense performance i saw, but i was in for a complete surprise. The CD lives up to my expectations and the intesity and surpassed my musical amazement. If you know what is good for you buy this CD, and make it a point to see them play live.

The album is hot, and the band is the best live group I've ever seen. These cats are focused. The revolution will not be televised...it will come out of a trumpet. Big ups.

This album effectively showcases YoungBlood's unique synthesis of New Orleans inspired brass band, Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip hop, and pure fun. Though I'm familiar with brass band music, I've never heard anything like this. I hear something new each time I listen to it -- and I haven't stopped listening since I bought it three months ago!

Youngblood Brassband is an awesome group that can get you up and dancing any day of the week. Their CD provides a wonderful mix of hiphop, jazz, and traditional brassband music. Give this album a try and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

I was astounded by the sounds that "the Warrior" is able to make on the sousaphone. How does he do that Cosmic Bass? These boys are on the brink. How come no one has signed them?

Buy this album you won't hear anything like this brand of brass band, hip hop anywhere else. A new sound is born.

when i uploaded the review for this (at rebirthmag.com) i checked out a couple of the songs and i was impressed. i just got my own copy of it...and damn...its out of this world like an 80s sitcom. truly incredible. buy it. two copies. that way you can always have one with you.

chris
rebirth magazine

I have to start off by saying that I have not yet heard this album, but I just saw these guys playing on the corner of 5th and Pine here in Seattle during my lunch break. These quys were incredible! You would not believe the crowd they had surrounding them to listen to their infectious mix of hip-hop, New Orleans brass, jazz, and funk. They were absolutely rock-solid tight, screaming, and stopping traffic. I was only able to stick around to listen to three songs, but I just couldn't believe what I was hearing. I had to hop online as soon as I got back into the office and order their CD, and I am for sure going to go out for their live show tomorrow night. Too much.

Heard "Acousticon Theme" by YBBB on WLUW here in Chicago, ordered the disc soon after that and have it in steady rotation with my current personal favorites. I'm not a big hip-hop fan, but the subtle combination with all the horns and the FANTASTIC tightness of the band and compositions make this disc a must have. If you are TIRED of the same old same old, this will surely shake that media made malaise from your mind.

Whether you are a fan of brass music or hiphop or not, this band is very impressive. If you like jazz, like new orleans, like hihop, like soul, like funk then you will be in heaven. GET this now. And by all means travel 6 hours to see them if you have to, that is where the true power of their music lies - the live performance. Imagine, a rockin band where electricity and a sound system are optional but they exert more sound than your average rock band.