The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble are returning to Cork this week after their hugely successful first run at the Pavilion in June. The group are made up of eight sons of one of the original members of this planets first cosmic jazz band. Kelan Phil Cohran was an important cog in the 'Arkestra' of the philosophical Pharaoh of avant-garde jazz Sun Ra. As a teacher his credentials are top notch, so when the members of the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble tell of the years of study under their illustrious father, it's only natural to assume that this group is going to offer something serious, and true to the form of their father and teacher, something off the beaten jazz track.

Joined by a drummer, the only non-sibling in the act, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble echo's the tonality of Cohran's early Arkestra days, the funk of his Earth Wind & Fire proteges, the afro-root sound of the Artistic Heritage Ensemble, the sombre spectral of a New Orleans funeral march and a lean but liberal dose of old-school hip-hop. Having cut their cloth on the streets, hitting curbs and corners in their native Chicago and on the bustling plazas of NYC, the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble have captured the hearts and minds of many an unsuspecting passer by, some of whom have been moved to reciprocate the love shown to them on the streets – rapper Mos Deaf, and Wu-Tang Clan's Ghostface have already enlisted their services.

Damon Albarn has also them pencilled in the studio to work on the new Gorillaz LP. Lovers of funk and hip-hop infused jazz would be strongly advised to check them out this Wednesday, December 3 at the Pavilion.

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