MANGLE : Just like the studio itself, the instrument arsenal inside Bays is a moving feast of sorts; keyboards come and go, drum machines that have been languishing on the shelf get dusted off and given a chance to do their thing again, guitar effects pedals are swapped in and out, and the search for classic brass instruments goes on.
Many, MANY, years ago I fluked onto a beautiful alto saxophone. I won’t bore anyone with the exact details but it was a bit like a 12yo stumbling upon an interesting looking car under a dusty sheet, buying it and then finding out later that it was actually a vintage Porsche. I’ve played that same instrument for nearly 40 years and still love it to bits. I’ve added other saxophones in the last few years – but I’ve never found another one quite like the OG. Until a few months ago when I found what I hope will turn out to be another gem – once it’s been seen by the saxophone doctor.
Trumpet maestro, Clubba, has been on the hunt too. Last year he added a beautiful 1939 Olds trumpet to the high brass team, and Hopepa is constantly digging up amazing gear that he brings in to the studio.
In the middle of our recording sessions pretty much ALL of these are out and ready to used; almost every flat surface seems to have some instrument resting on it – and it got me thinking what the correct terminology for a large group of brass instruments is? I thought something like the animal kingdom groupings would be a good starting point. A ‘pride’ of Lions is pretty decent. An ‘ambush’ of Tigers is better. A ‘murder’ of crows is the best of course.
Maybe – given we’re working in the sonic world – it should be something like ‘parp’ or ‘toot’ of brass instruments. Or it should describe the scene, like a ‘shambles’ or ‘mangle’. Personally, I’m keen on a combo of all that. I reckon it’s a ‘spangle of brass’. Answers on the Back of postcard…
Some horn-heavy joints we love:
People Get Up And Drive Your Funky Soul by James Brown
Mun Dun Go - Cedric Im Brooks
Wiggle Waggle – Herbie Hancock
Better Git It In Your Soul - Charles Mingus