BRASS QUEENS

HOT TUB SESSIONS VOL. 1

Independent Label

Alex Harris, trumpet/co-founder. Stephanie King, trumpet; Minerva Johnson, trumpet/percussion; Ally Chapel, alto saxophone/co-founder; Jenna Murdock, tenor saxophone; Stephanie Young & Elizabeth Arce, trombone; Nora Nalepka & Heather Ewer, sousaphone; Ashley Baier, drums; Catlin Cawley, percussion.

Here’s a chord-less album that celebrates the big brass beauty of horns and percussion. Right off the bat, these ladies sound like a party, a parade, a marching band, happiness all wrapped up in horns.

The sousaphone keeps the bass line alive and pumping throughout.  It is an instrument built in 1898 and celebrates American bandmaster, John Philip Sousa. It has the soundscape of a tuba. The feeling throughout these arrangements is that of a New Orleans band in a carnival atmosphere.  This music is joyful and enthusiastic.

A tune called “Moonshine” really brings a taste of Straight-ahead jazz to the spotlight.  However, most of this music represents funk, soul and hip-hop, blended into the New Orleans traditional style of music.

This group of eight female musicians was formed during the pandemic. Two of the members are co-founders, Alex Harris from Texas and Ally Chapel of Colorado.  They came together out of frustration with the male-dominated brass band scene in New York City.  Chapel had a deep love for marching bands, and she wanted to recreate the special bond she felt during her student years in the band at CU Boulder in Colorado.  All the ladies come from various parts of our country.

After graduating, Ally Chapel headed for New York City to make her mark in the music world. The female musicians she met along the way became the core foundation for what would become ‘Brass Queens.’  They formed the day after International Women’s Day in March of 2019, choosing the colors to represent them on stage as black and gold.  In fact, they named their debut album “Black and Gold.” It represents the colors of the Saints in New Orleans and the Golden Buffalo Marching Band; a combined salute to both.  Their unique and well-played concept-band garnered them several good paying gigs, festival performances, concerts, and positive publicity.

Once launched with their debut recording, in July of 2023, they won MTA’s Music Under New York City’s First Rider’s Choice Award. Their grand prize was a recording session with Atlantic Records, followed by national tours. One criticism I have on this latest CD release, is the font is way too small.  Your names deserve to be seen, and so do your original composition titles.

Track #8 caught my ear. Titled “Karma Queen,” it has a melody that latches onto my ear like a diamond earring.  Ashley Baier shines brightly on her trap drums.

These ladies are doing it big and boisterous.  All their music is original and composed by members of the group.  Not only do they play well, but they are also a group that exudes energy and talent.  I would love to see them in person!

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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