Jonathan Scales Fourchestra & BrooksMuzik/Earl Brooks Jr. at The Williams Center

The Williams Center Presents: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra with Special Guest BrooksMuzik/Earl Brooks Jr.

Steel pan jazz/funk complexities for the modern ear!

You’ve heard this before, but the whimsically named Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is really tough to describe. Veering from in-your-face, jaw dropping chops and passion, to those quiet moments when the background noise disappears and you hold your breath to take in a soundscape of solitude, the power trio of electric bass (E'Lon JD), drums (Maison Guidry), and steel pans (Jonathan Scales) combines elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock, peppered with Latin rhythms and soulful outbursts of funk. From club and festival stages across North America and Europe, and tours of Africa, Southeast and Central Asia as a Cultural Ambassador for the US Department of State, to their NPR Tiny Desk Concert featuring Béla Fleck, the Fourchestra’s live shows make even the most jaded listeners forget where they are… even if just for a precious moment.

 

This may seem an odd thing to say, but on the verge of releasing their eighth studio recording, Jonathan Scales Fourchestra is only now truly embracing their identity as a group. For many years, Jonathan’s live band was a fluid lineup of top-notch musicians, and even included an “all-star” version with bassist MonoNeon (Prince, Nas), drummer Sput Searight (Snarky Puppy, Snoop Dogg) and percussionist Weedie Braimah (Trombone Shorty, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah), as well as a number of other marquee players. Now, however, the Fourchestra is a decidedly indivisible band, and Jonathan is writing for the trio, not just the pans.

BrooksMuzik/Earl Brooks Jr.
Meet the dynamic father and son duo from the beautiful Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This talented pair is renowned for their skillful mastery of the steel drums, a traditional musical instrument of Trinidad and Tobago. Originally known as “Pan”, this instrument has become a symbol of Caribbean expression. It is a percussive harmonic instrument made from a 55-gallon oil barrel that has been pounded and shaped to produce distinct notes. The duo’s unique blend of rhythmic beats and harmonious melodies is sure to captivate audiences of all ages and cultures. With decades of experience performing together and independently both local and internationally this duo has been ambassadors of the culture and their infectious energy, passion and mastery of the instrument will continue to inspire and delight fans around the world.

BrooksMuzik as the duo is now formally known as, is a representation of culture, class & their music blends traditional Caribbean rhythms and melodies with modern influences like Jazz, Soul and classical, creating a dynamic and innovative sound that has won them fans around the world. Their performances are a true celebration of Caribbean culture.

Hailing from a rich musical heritage, this duo brings together traditional Caribbean rhythms with contemporary sounds to create a unique musical experience that is both soulful and infectious. Together as Brooksmuzik Steel Pan Legacy they have been able to create a loyal fan base that spans across generations. In Feb 2020, Brooks Arts Academy was formed to educate and assist in keeping a distinctive style alive for generations to come.