Raya Brass Band: This Train is Now

You want some energetic sounds? Give this frenetic quintet of Greg Squared/sax, Ben Syversen/tp, Matthew Fass/acc-org, Don Godwin/tuba-horn-key and EJ Fry-perc a try. Sounding like an Eastern Mediterranean street band gone wild, or a Klezmer combo without the minor chords, This band is able to perform lullaby like dainties such as “For Mia,” but for the most part you’ve got free form horns flying around like the Wallendas on “Locks and Latches,”  “Bump” or the title track. A piece like”Riff Cloud” sounds almost spontaneous in its delivery, but it actually goes in a logical direction, making you feel like you’re listening to an audio version of “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” A couple traditional Macedonian tunes, “Shapkarevo Kasapsko Oro” and Romska Karsilamas” pop up to fit right in to the festive atmosphere. This disc is easily recommended for any aerobics or spinning class you use to get your heart rate up. Keep peddling!!

www.rayabrassband.com

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