I discovered the Broken Brass Ensemble on Record Store Day of 2015, when they were playing in the small record store that I usually went to. The group of eight brass players turned the place into a small party with their energetic mix of New Orleans brass and hip hop. It was love at first hear.
The band was founded in Friesland, in the north of the Netherlands in 2012. In 2013 they scored a viral hit on YouTube with the brass version of Thrift shop. And in 2014 this debut album came out. They’re still touring, but have dropped the Ensemble from the name. Also, there is a bit less New Orleans in their later releases. More on that later.
I love the artwork on this album, it is really a joy to behold. Did the money for this come from the YouTube hit?