KILA & BRASS
Raise the Road
Philippe Cousin
It has been nearly forty years since the band Kíla was formed in Dublin by the three Ó Snodaigh brothers and a few school friends. Four decades later, the most eccentric band on the Irish music scene continues to thrive.
Considered one of Ireland's most innovative bands, their music has continued to evolve, rooted in tradition but protean, inspired by a host of influences gleaned from around the world. Often described as contemporary, their music boldly blends traditional Irish instruments with instruments such as the djembe, congas and brass.
And it is precisely brass that is the main guest on their twentieth album, Raise the Road. The eight members of the band are joined by a brass section of eight musicians. They offer us a collection of twelve tracks arranged by trombonist Paul Frost, which perfectly reflect Kíla's live concerts. Here, the 16 musicians fuse New Orleans jazz and free jazz with funk, mambo and the band's contemporary compositions.
For Rossa Ó Snodaigh, one of the band's leaders, ‘this album opens up new horizons for Kíla, but also for traditional music’. The omnipresence of brass instruments undoubtedly adds depth and breadth to the band's sound.
There are eight tracks in total, all composed by different members of the band, plus four of them in alternative versions. One example is the evocatively titled Disco Pig, which opens the album with a backdrop of percussion and bass accompanied by brass instruments alternating with flute and tin whistle. Throughout the album, there are a few songs chanted by Colm and Rónán Ó Snodaigh: Mar Atá Sé and Cara Liom. Original and breathtaking!
Kila Records CARCD8042 - www.kila.ie