Discuss the music characteristics of The Brotherhood of Breath and name a representative from the band. - NSC Music - Question 14 - 2019 - Paper 1

The Brotherhood of Breath is characterized by a rich blend of various musical elements, reflecting a mixture of hard-driving blues and wild experimentalism.

1. Unique South African Influence: The band incorporates traditional South African flavors, including mbqanga and kwela-style influences, which contribute to its distinct sound.

2. Avant-Garde Approach: The Brotherhood of Breath is recognized for its avant-garde ideology, characterized by atonal sound and complex rhythmic structures, setting them apart in the musical landscape.

3. Experimentalism: The band experimented with greater freedom of expression within their music, moving beyond typical conventions to create innovative sounds.

4. Improvisational Music: Improvisation is a hallmark of their style, showcasing melodic flexibility and intricate call-and-response patterns typically found in African music. This feature emphasizes the spontaneous and dynamic nature of their performances, where musicians often engage in on-the-spot improvisation rather than strictly adhering to written arrangements.

5. Influence on Big Band Scene: They transitioned away from traditional big band setups, prominently influencing the British 'Big Band' scene and encouraging a more organic form of collective music-making.