Live Report: Booka Brass, All Together Now 2018

As people still shuffled into the inaugural year of All Together Now, Booka Brass reaffirmed their status as one of Ireland's best live acts with a set full of energy and soul.

Featuring four brass instrument players, two guitarists and two drummers on stage - the band reminded audiences why jazz is one of the most creative genres. They turned their typically old timey trumpets into vehicles to take audiences on a musical odyssey. Fusing their brass sounds with funk guitars and hip hop/samba beats, their music sounded at times like everything from an old film noir soundtrack to an infectiously cheesy 70s soul pastiche, as well as like acts Daft Punk, Gorillaz and Santana.

While hardly anyone was in attendance on the main stage as the band started, it wasn't long before a crowd flocked to the arena due to all the jazziness. They were loving it, particularly one eager fan who literally danced towards the stage as if carried by the music.

The set was accompanied by a backdrop of colourful psychedelic images, reinforcing what Booka Brass band do best - playing classic music with a modern edge. They christened All Together's Main Stage with style.

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