Hypnotic Brass Ensemble

Music is deeply rooted in the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble from Chicago. This eight-member ensemble consists of sons of jazz trumpeter Phil Cohran (known for Sun Ra Akestra.) The ensemble’s musical style ranges from hip-hop to jazz to funk and rock. Since the release of their debut album ‘Flipside’ in 2004, they have been recognized as the world’s leading brass ensemble and have collaborated with artists such as Prince, Gorillaz, Macy Gray, De La Soul, and Erykah Badu. Additionally, their song ‘War’ was used in the film “The Hunger Games.”

The brothers grew up in a home where music was a constant part of the household. Phil Cohran trained his sons to play their brass instruments from childhood. In 1999, the group of sons brought their music to the subway stations of Chicago and later moved to New York, where they gave impromptu concerts in Prospect Park and on street corners. Their sound was shaped by the rawness and boldness of New York.

In 2023, they released several new singles: ‘Treasure,’ ‘Detroit Red,’ and ‘Space.’ With their extensive repertoire and new work, the ensemble is set to ignite our Grand Hall!