Tom Challenger (Tenor Saxophone, Alto Clarinet)
Dan Nicholls (Tenor Saxophone, Bass Clarinet)
George Crowley (Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet)
Alex Bonney (Trumpet)
Rory Simmons (Trumpet)
Nat Cross (Trombone)
Theon Cross (Tuba)
John Blease (Percussion)
Led by reedsman Tom Challenger (Outhouse, Fofoulah, Red Snapper), Brass Mask is a nonet of percussion and seven horns delivering loping riffs, growling basslines and the old-time spiritual groove. Built on the bottom end of Tuba player Theon Cross (Sons of Kemet), and Drummer John Blease (Ghost Poet), The Keyboards of Dan Nicholls (Strobes) collide with the brass section that spontaneously weaves otherly shapes, sounds and colours.
They play to celebrate the forthcoming release of their second album, Live, released on the Babel Label. Brass Mask’s expansive sound is simultaneously mournful yet jubilant, taking the forms of gospel, Haitian Rara and the flamboyant African American street bands of New Orleans Mardi Gras as starting points for their renowned live shows.