By Kate Bartlett
Mardi Gras weekend is upon us, and Buffalo Based Brass Band, The Brass Machine, will be keeping the energy alive in the village of Ellicottville. As one of the hottest acts on the live music circuit today, The Brass Machine claims to be a ‘brass gumbo’ of music weaving together funk, jazz, R&B, and more.
Founded in 2015 by frontman Kyle Yagielski, the band features a rotating cast of musicians including a wide variety of horns, guitars, keys, drums and more. No two shows are quite literally ever the same.
Kyle was inspired by the New Orleans music scene, and wanted to bring a bit of that unique brass band style back home to Buffalo. He assembled a group of musicians from The Thunder of the East Marching Band at the University at Buffalo and started playing gigs in the area. Popularity grew, and word spread about the unique energy and rotating line-up of The Brass Machine.
With about 35 musicians in rotation, it’s almost impossible to put the same show on twice. “We have such a talented group of musicians, all with unique backgrounds and talents,” says Kyle. “I love assembling the lineup and combining different variations to set up interesting, unique performances.”
The horns are frequently the stars of the show, with a 4-piece horn set leading the band playing a little bit of everything. “Typically, horns take the backseat, but not here. The Brass Machine makes the horns shine in a funky, unique Brass style party.” Crowds may recognize some covers of popular songs, with a unique unexpected twist. “One minute you’re hearing a popular song that then blends into an original tune, then a horn solo, and back into another popular song. We love featuring all our different musicians and have fun putting our unique twist on popular songs.”
The musicians have fun playing together, and it shows during their performances. “It’s such a fun energy. The musicians enjoy having the freedom to play what they want, bringing their own flair to each and every show. We value each musician’s unique background and invite them to let it shine.”
Over the past 9 years, The Brass Machine’s accolades include performing alongside many national acts including Earth, Wind and Fire, Trey Anastasio, The Soul Rebels, Goose, Flaming Lips, Starship and many more. Festival appearances include Borderland (4x), Railrider Jamboree (2x), Rochester Jazz Fest, Night Lights, and Folkface Face, among others. The band is currently touring North East New York State with stops including Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, Buffalo and well as Pennsylvania.
Recently, The Brass Machine has started on a new venture, playing “Busted on Bourbon Street,” a tribute show to the Grateful Dead. “It’s such a great show. It has all the familiar Grateful Dead songs with a funky New Orleans twist. The energy is awesome and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a “’Dead Head’” or a casual concert go-er.”
The Brass Machine is excited to be returning to Ellicottville playing March 9th in the Mardi Gras Parade, and continuing the party at Villaggio for the remainder of the afternoon. “We love playing in Ellicottville. The energy here is awesome; there’s such a great live music scene. The crowd is always a good time. Good music, good people, good times.”
The Band will be returning to Ellicottville again on March 23 for Railrider Jamboree at Holiday Valley. “We always enjoy playing this festival; there’s such a great vibe. We keep the energy high in between artists and have fun weaving through the crowd. It keeps the New Orleans style party alive for the whole festival.”
For more information https://www.thebrassmachine.com/ and see the band perform in the Mardi Grad Parade in Ellicottville March 9th, Villaggio immediately following (free), as well as Railrider Jamboree March 23rd with tickets available https://www.railriderjam.com/.