It is wholly appropriate that an act seeped in musical history such as Hypnotic Brass Ensemble team up with a group of music lovers that dedicate themselves to delivering quality music, such as Choice Cuts, to release an EP entitled Heritage. This release pays homage to just some the music that has influenced all of their musical output over the years with classic sounds re-interpreted with respect and honor while overlaid with the undeniable sound of Hypnotic Brass Ensemble.

"All band members are the sons of legendary Sun Ra trumpeter Phil Cohran. The group began performing together as children (some as early as 3 years old). In 1999 they formed what is now known as the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and have performed or collaborated with some of the greatest musical stars of the last two decades. From Mos Def to Maxwell, Wu Tang Clan's Ghostface Killah to UK superstar Damon Alburn, Erykah Badu to Fela Kuti's drummer Tony Allen. If you don't know these guys you're missing out.

During one of their many stays in Dublin with ChoiceCuts, Hypnotic decided to shack up in a studio located high in the Dublin mountains to rehearse for a week and write new material. Hypnotic and ChoiceCuts had a bit of down time in between these sessions and with plenty of Guinness and Jameson in tow chose to rework some of their favourite records from other artists that have influenced them both." 

With a free tune, Spottie, given away by Choice Cuts last week as a teaser and the news that the release will be vinyl only, distributed by much respected Honest Jon's I was anxious to get my grubby little paws on the rest of the release and thankfully Mark came through today and I was not disappointed have got to say that Spottie (available below for DL) is my favorite followed closely by the rework of Fela Kuti's 'Water No Get Enemy'.

First off, the video presented to mark the release.

ChoiceCuts presents Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from Loughlin McSweeney on Vimeo.

Next, check the EP snippets for just a hint of what to expect, great sounds.

Hypnotic Brass Ensemble Heritage EP Snippets by ChoiceCuts

Now, check out Spottie, with the gentle headnod to Outkast's Spottieottiedopaliscious.

Spottie - Heritage EP Exclusive Download by ChoiceCuts

A bit about Choice Cuts: When I moved back to Ireland a while back I hadn't heard of Choice Cuts as they had been started after I had left. Upon returning as I started to explore the musical scene in Dublin the Choice Cuts name kept on popping up on my radar and was consistently associated with things that I wanted to see, do and hear. that's impressive when you've returned to a country not having a good feel for whats happening and wondering if the sounds of your city have evolved as you have and then you read an 'about us' page as such...

"Our parties have been blessed with special guests like J-Rocc, Kenny Dope, DJ Krush, Z-Trip, Madlib & Jazzy Jeff. Our concerts have witnessed perfromances by Mos Def, Q-Tip, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Edan, The Poets of Rhythm, Jneiro Jarel, The Breakestra, Build An Ark, Osaka Monaurail to name but few. Labelheads like Gerald Short (Jazzman), Mad Mats(GAMM, Raw Fusion), Rob Luis(Tru Thoughts), Peanut Butter Wolf(Stones Throw), Miles Cleret(SoundWay), Olski(MPM), B+(Mochilla) and Olan(All City) have blessed us with deep sets from their label catalogues and digging escapades.....We also delve a bit deeper into the past and tip our hat to where it all comes from so you may see live shows with artists like Sweet Charles, Marva Whitney, Blowfly, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Candi Staton, Steinski and Qbert."

What impresses me most is not just the musical passion with knowledge that has depth and breath but also their ability to create a successful business while doing so. in times like this and from where I am sitting (in my corporate office job) that's inspiring. 

So, enjoy the freebie, support the release by getting the vinyl, check out Hypnotic Brass Ensemble live for a truly great experience and check out your local listings to see if the name Choice Cuts pops up.