The billblog periodically diverts from its usual political/environmental/human rights focci and introduces its multitudes of readers to musicians, music and art. Seems that there's a need for more diversion lately, today being no exception. So, without further blather ...

Brasstronaut is a Vancouver indie combo with a committed following. I don't know a lot about the origins of Brasstronaut though I understand the original members have been together for a while. Being out of touch in oh so many ways, I didn't know about them until they were doing an artists' residency at the Banff Centre earlier this year, in itself being a feather for the old cap. At that time they were a four-piece ensemble:

Bryan Davies - trumpet, flugelhorn, glock
Edo Van Breemen - vocals, keyboards
John Walsh - bass, guitar
Brennan Saul - percussion

This configuration has an LP, Old World Lies (2008) from Unfamiliar Records, available from iTunes or zunior.com. Seriously recommended. It's growing trans-dimensional sonic pathways through my aged neurons. I'm looking forward to hearing their current sound, with their evolution since 2008 and with two addtional musicians added to the band:

Tariq Hussain - lap steel, guitar - Juno nominee 1998
Sam Davidson - EWI, clarinet, son of billblogger

Says Al Smith of exclaim.ca reviewing a September 2009 Brasstronaut concert at Vancouver's Biltmore Cabaret:
"Every time you see Brasstronaut play, they're liable to have a new member or two, and tonight was no exception. The guiding principle of the group seems to be excellent, formally trained musicianship. Wrap these serious chops around catchy pop songwriting, and you have Brasstronaut in a nutshell. At times recalling the orchestral ambiance of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra and at others indulging in some surprisingly un-lame fusion-style noodling, they really don't sound like anything else going on right now."

Looking forward to the CD release in February 2010.

If you're in Reykjavik this week, why not catch a few bands at Iceland Airwaves ’09 a huge music festival with a mostly European lineup.

Says Adrian Mack at straight.com:
"Locals Brasstronaut will be one of only two Canadian acts attending the “hippest” (according to Rolling Stone) music festival on Earth this year. The four-piece will join Toronto’s Culture Reject at Iceland Airwaves Music Festival 09 in Reykjavik from October 14 to 18, along with touted bands like Crystal Antlers, the Drums, and thecocknbullkid."

So then, if you happen to find yourself in Reykjavik specifically next Saturday night, toodle on down to the theatre at the Reykjavik Art Museum and catch Brasstronaut in concert. Send a postcard.