Brass Monkey

No-one sounds like Brass Monkey! Their 2009 album ‘Head of Steam’ heralded another chapter in the life of a band that has thrilled the live music scene in various incarnations since their debut in 1980.

Martin Carthy and John Kirkpatrick naturally lock into one another's playing with an ease and precision that can only come of playing together for over thirty years. Sharing the vocals, and sometimes singing together in unison, they bring the fruits of years of experience to this band with an explosive freshness that is clearly driven by the excitement they all feel by playing together.

The 2009 tour for Brass Monkey saw the exciting new introduction of trumpet player Paul Archibald whose classical training and love of folk music added another dimension to the much loved sound of the band which carries through to 2011. Roger Williams, who has already proved his insanity by tripping effortlessly through the fastest of tunes on the bass trombone, also brings along the euphonium to add a softer melodic touch to the gentler pieces. Martin Brinsford can add sweetness or punch on his mouth-organ as required, and amongst his numerous accomplishments on the various instruments of percussion, he can create more drive with the knuckle of one finger than most drummers can muster on a whole kit.

It’s a rare treat to see five masters of their art combine with such open hearted enthusiasm to reach such tremendous heights. Feel the power!

Line Up:
Martin Carthy – vocals, guitar, mandolin
John Kirkpatrick – vocals, button accordion, anglo concertina, melodeon
Martin Brinsford – mouth-organ, saxophone, percussion
Roger Williams – bass trombone, tuba, euphonium
Paul Archibald – trumpet