Voices in Brass #9: Live Listening

Hey brass lovers! Today on Voices of Brass, we're jumping into the high-octane world of contemporary street brass with a track that explodes with energy and innovation: “Waiver” by the Youngblood Brass Band. This tune is a shining example of how brass ensembles continue to evolve—fusing tradition with activism, groove, and fearless experimentation.

This tune was featured in Anna’s playlist on her own blog.

Introducing the Piece:

“Waiver” is a track from the Youngblood Brass Band’s 2005 album Live. Places. Known for their raw sound and politically charged ethos, the Youngblood Brass Band emerged from Madison, Wisconsin, bringing together elements of New Orleans second-line, hip-hop, funk, and punk. Their music often pushes past entertainment into the realm of resistance and community storytelling.

“Waiver” captures the essence of this mission—blending heavy grooves with an almost militant rhythmic intensity. While there are no lyrics in this particular track, the music speaks volumes through its tight phrasing, improvisational energy, and pulse-pounding drive.

The Ensemble:

The Youngblood Brass Band isn't your average brass ensemble. They're a collective of musicians who treat the brass band not as a novelty, but as a living, breathing ensemble format for social expression. Their lineup typically includes trumpets, trombones, saxophones, sousaphone, snare and bass drums, with additional percussion and vocals in other works.

In “Waiver,” the ensemble’s precision is offset by a loose, almost chaotic energy. It’s streetwise and scholarly all at once—a brass band unafraid to break the mold.

Musical Characteristics and Instrumental Interplay:

“Waiver” opens with a syncopated, angular rhythm, immediately setting a march-like groove that never lets up. The sousaphone lays down a relentless, funky bass line that locks in with the snare and bass drum, while layered horn linesfire off like a call to arms. Trumpets and trombones trade blistering riffs, building tension before the whole ensemble erupts into a complex, contrapuntal crescendo.

There’s a visceral rawness to the track—the kind of energy that feels both rehearsed and spontaneous. The dynamics shift rapidly, mirroring the feeling of a live protest or a street parade. It’s this balance of polish and grit that makes “Waiver” so captivating.

Featured Recording:

Check out the electrifying performance of “Waiver” by the Youngblood Brass Band here:

This live version captures the band at their best: tight, ferocious, and totally fearless. You can hear the crowd’s energy feeding into the band, creating a communal experience that transcends the notes on the page.

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“Waiver” is proof that brass music is far from static—it’s loud, alive, and constantly evolving. Youngblood Brass Band shows us that an ensemble rooted in tradition can still speak to the now—and do so with power and purpose.

Catch you next time on Voices of Brass, where we’ll keep exploring how brass speaks across genres, styles, and generations. Got a modern brass ensemble or street band track you think we should feature? Drop it in the comments!