A Glass of Chilled Brass: Booka Brass Gig Review

Steady percussions and a robust sousaphone cut through the chatter and camaraderie of the Vicar Street crowd. Each emerging under a beam of soft light, nine figures bloom into ‘Formations’ as their opening song suggests. One by the one, the brass layers build and the whole band enters the moment.

Originals from Chilled Milk warm the crowd, most notably the track ‘Disco.’ These boys have dance moves! Hip-shaking, foot-tapping flavours blow from the horns. The Vicar Street ocean catches the party bug because before long, we are boogying down low, clapping our hands, and well…mostly envying the amount of craic the lads are having! Each member gives full support to one another during the solos, as if attending the concert themselves. Pristine mastery over their instruments punctuates every note and move.

The second half of the show features popular covers like Maroon 5’s ‘This Love’ and a boisterous encore with R Kelly’s ‘Ignition.’ The variety of vibes whisks you from a Jamaican beach front to a crowded New Orleans street. Showcasing the instruments’ versatility, smooth, slow jazz easily transitions into funky hip-hop.

Although a lyric-less set, the crowd knew when to sing along. A tenor sax solo highlights the sing-along version of 'My Boo,' leading to loud cheers. But whether a pop hit or a Booka original, the crowd and band maintain an unreal level of enthusiasm. Exhausted by the end of the night, I am ready to watch performance all over again.