We recently chatted with the high-energy, New York-based funk group Lucky Chops. Here’s what they had to say.
JSF: You are a music group with such distinct sound and energy. How were you able to find each other and produce the sound that you do?
LC: Most of the band found/met each other in high school. Years later, a few us were added on in college or shortly after. I believe a lot of where our sound comes from is the energy we bring through our instruments and our desire to show the world what brass music is capable of.
JSF: You have recorded a new upcoming album. Where did you draw inspiration for the new release?
LC: I would say it’s very personal to the individual where the inspiration was drawn from for this album. Each one of us has a very different background in music. I guess bringing all of our individual personalities together is what will hopefully make this a very special album.
JSF: It’s clear that each individual brings their own rhythm to the group. How do you find this contributes to your overall sound and performance?
LC: I guess it’s more of a spectacle that way. It’s more of an audible and visual stimulation if everyone is trading off the melodies and spotlight versus a solo act. I guess it keeps the music interesting that way.
JSF: You are all performers through and through! How do you bring such high energy to all of your performances? Is there much practice involved?
LC: Thank you! I would say it’s due to much practice. I guess it’s easier for us to bring the energy if we practised the music as a group before we perform it. On a good week, we will rehearse four to five times off tours.
JSF: What is of Lucky Chops’ favourite piece to perform?
LC: Sonny Rollins Plays the G Man
JSF: Alive or dead, in an ideal world, who would be the top three musicians you would love to collaborate with?
LC: Louis Armstrong, Paul McCartney, and Buddy Bolden
JSF: It is the Jazz Sudbury Festival’s 10th anniversary! What do you like about coming to play in Canada?
LC: Poutine!
