Hackney Colliery Band @ NAC
100 percent give HCB a go
Hackney Colliery Band: a nine piece brass band whose members come from esteemed projects like the Royal Opera House and international orchestras. They compose music, perform as an ensemble, and occasionally cover Kanye at their live shows.
Seeing a mixed demographic Norwich Arts Centre moshing to a brassed up All of the Lights is up there in my league table of musical memories. HCB’s performance of their original songs also earned a spot. No words were needed - trumpet and sax melodies told a story, deft percussion and kept the crowd dancing. Despite having the makings of a big band, HCB didn’t veer into conservative territory. Carefully blended funk, ska, rock, jazz, and even Balkan sounds kept the show compelling and dynamic.
The band members charmed too. Clearly, they enjoyed performing music, and performing music with each other. Frontman/trumpeter Steve Pretty won the crowd over, playfully sassing an overeager fan and interjecting the show with quips. Also, Pretty gave a special mention to two band members who happened to hail from Our Fine City. One surprised us all with some arresting MCing and the other played a damn good sousaphone solo.
Before seeing HCB, these three things hadn’t ever crossed my mind: Heart Shaped Box played with horns, a Prodigy medley played solely by acoustic instruments, and me finding it impossible to stand still while listening to a brass ensemble. If you’re up for trying new things – 100 percent give HCB a go.
10/10
