The Band came into existence in 1999 and at the beginning it was just a group of a few people, who were playing and drinking together; it all started with the concept of “la Banda aperta”, whoever thought they might be able to play (or hold) an instrument was accepted and could join the band...now we are about 25 people of all ages.
The group is very mixed, and most people in the band have day jobs and/or families. Many members play also in other ensembles.
Even though the band was originally planned as much smaller “New Orleans” Band, it has taken on a life of its own which can be felt in the repertoire as well as the social dynamics of the group. From munich-based “Embryo” (the mother of european world music) the brass band has learned various tunes from the Maghreb or Afghanistan; among other influences the band is inspired by and plays pieces of Sun Ra, Fela Kuti and the Art Ensemble Of Chicago.
For most of its members the Express Brass Band must not be seen as just a musical group – it is also a small clan, a family-surrogate, a model community with changing factions and ongoing arguments.
