brass house

Brass House: When House Got a Horn Section

Brass House, a sonic fusion that married the driving beats of Chicago House with the soulful, brassy swagger of funk and jazz, emerged in the late 80s and early 90s. It’s a genre that, at its core, embodies the energy and joy of both its parent styles.

The Big Bang of Brass:

The story starts with Chicago’s vibrant house scene. DJs like Marshall Jefferson and Frankie Knuckles were pushing the boundaries of electronic music, and producers like Larry Heard and Adonis were weaving intricate rhythms and hypnotic melodies. Then came the influence of funk and soul, with artists like James Brown and Stevie Wonder serving as crucial touchstones.

Enter the brass section. The soulful grooves of the horn section, a staple in funk and jazz, found a new home in the electronic landscape of house music. It was a natural fit, like adding a spicy kick to a delicious stew.

The Pioneers and the Pranksters:

Some of the early pioneers of brass house included:

• The Chicago House Kings: DJs like Marshall Jefferson, Frankie Knuckles, and Ron Hardy embraced the brassy sound, incorporating horns into their sets and productions.
• The Funky Scientists: Producers like Jesse Saunders and Adonis integrated brass into their own unique sonic palette, creating tracks that became staples of the burgeoning genre.
• The Brass Band Brigade: Live bands like the Chicago based “Sleezy D” and the “Fast Eddie’s” brought their high-energy performances to dancefloors, bringing the joy of live music to the heart of the electronic scene.

A Funny Fact: One story tells of a legendary DJ who, in his eagerness to bring a brassy flavor to his set, had a band of brass players on standby. During a particularly energetic set, he called for the horn players to join him, only to discover they had been waiting backstage… playing a game of Monopoly.

The Legacy of Brass House:

While the popularity of brass house peaked in the early 90s, its influence is undeniable. It paved the way for subgenres like acid jazz and nu-jazz, inspiring countless artists and DJs across the globe.

Some Fun Facts:

• Brass-Face: The slang term “brass-face” was coined by some early Chicago house DJs to describe their favorite brassy tracks.
• The Horn-iest Hits: Some iconic brass house tracks include “No Way Back” by Adonis, “Can You Feel It” by Jesse Saunders, and “Music Is the Answer” by DJ Pierre.
• The Funky Foundation: Brass house served as a bridge between the soul of classic music and the electronic pulse of the future.

A Genre For Everyone:

Brass house is more than just a musical style. It’s a celebration of creativity, a reminder that music transcends genres and borders, and a testament to the power of a good horn section to get the party started. So next time you hear those soulful brass lines woven into a driving house beat, remember the legacy of a genre that brought the funk to the dance floor.