Banda Music - GREAT Music for Tuba!
Perhaps some of you are already familiar with the Mexican Banda Music, but I suspect that many of you are not. Banda is a traditional Brass-based music from Mexico which has enjoyed increased popularity since the mid-90s.
Of particular interest to us is the dominance of tuba (or more correctly, sousaphone) as the very active bass line. Among the best known bands in this genre are Banda el Recodo and El Coyote.
Today on a trip to Postville, Iowa – a community which has witnessed a rapid increase of population from vastly diverse communities ranging from Hassidic Jews to Guatamalan and Mexican – I found a really interesting and entertaining new CD from Chuy Chavez. This is a really fabulous example of the Banda style and features some outstanding tuba playing.
Make an opportunity to experience this music! It is vibrant, lively and full of ‘spice’. As a tubist, it shows the real possibilities for the instrument to enter the more popular genres AND display incredible virtuosity.
You really should CHECK THIS OUT!
Jeff Funderburk