This year has brought with it a slew of unexpected changes that have rocked the daily lives of people across the entire world. Much of this change has cast a shadow on the lives of so many, highlighting the importance of little things that bring joy and positivity to your day. This is exactly what I thought of when I first listened to BT ALC Big Band's new single "Bring Forth Change." This Boston-based band began playing together in 2011, created by trombonist Bryan Thomas 'BT' and trumpeter Alex 'ALC' Lee-Clark (their initials making up the band's name). Since 2011, this band has become known for distinctive groove pieces that bring in local jazz and funk artists.
The incorporation of other local funk musicians gives this band the special ability to curate each track in its own unique way. "Bring Forth Change" follows this pattern as it brings a distinctive sound made from collaboration. It is a song that allows you to look to the future, a time where a global pandemic is under control and where people are all treated with equality and kindness, with systemic changes allowing all individuals to have the same opportunities. This song brings together jazz and funk elements that uplift the listener, encouraging us all to stay positive in these difficult times. It also is created by a diverse group of people, bringing together all of their experiences to curate this unique piece. The song features vocals from Nigel Hall and his bandmate Eric 'Benny' Bloom on the trumpet. You will recognize Hall and Bloom from their funktastic band Lettuce, and bring their own spark to the single.
"The cats on 'Bring Forth Change' are representative of this America I see today out in the streets—there's Black cats, White cats, Latino cats playing together, singing this message. I'm not sure we'll see the change we want to see without collective solidarity," said Alan Evan's, owner of Vintage League Music label and producer of the track. Evans was also on the drums in the single. The message of coming together to bring forth change becomes even more impactful in these past few weeks, with the need to help the Black Lives Matter movement in the best way we all individually can. "What I'm witnessing in this moment, with these protests, is unlike anything else I have ever seen before. I'm 46, I've lived through many moments of protest in the face of police brutality—I remember when Rodney King was beat brutally by police. But what's different today is that I see people from all walks of life out there, coming together collectively protesting that they've had enough."
Alan Evans // On his involvement with BT ALC Big Band
"The cats on 'Bring Forth Change' are representative of this America I see today out in the streets—there's Black cats, White cats, Latino cats playing together, singing this message. I'm not sure we'll see the change we want to see without collective solidarity," said Alan Evan's, owner of Vintage League Music label and producer of the track. Evans was also on the drums in the single. The message of coming together to bring forth change becomes even more impactful in these past few weeks, with the need to help the Black Lives Matter movement in the best way we all individually can. "What I'm witnessing in this moment, with these protests, is unlike anything else I have ever seen before. I'm 46, I've lived through many moments of protest in the face of police brutality—I remember when Rodney King was beat brutally by police. But what's different today is that I see people from all walks of life out there, coming together collectively protesting that they've had enough."
Alan Evans // On his involvement with BT ALC Big Band
What makes this single even more interesting is the way that it came together in the midst of all this chaos, with an 18 piece band working together to record, while still following the social distancing protocol that was strictly enforced as the single came together. "The idea to record "Bring Forth Change" was put in motion after Brian Thomas, Alex Lee-Clark and I were chatting about the possibilities of remotely tracking for an 18 piece band under the current social distancing protocol we are all following," said Evans. I think this song is something that can resonate with us all right now, and can even bring some light into your day as we are reminded that these times are temporary and that bringing about change is possible when we all come together to contribute.
We look forward to the day where we can see BT ALC Big Band perform live. Until that time, we hope you enjoy their latest brass forward, inspiring, groove shaking funktastic song. You may want to listen to it more than a few times and listen to it loud!
Listen
Listen
Listen
We encourage you to listen to "Bring Forth Change" as well as all the top tracks by BT ALC Big Band.
If you do enjoy "Bring Forth Change" and want to support the artist, we strongly encourage you to support the artists and show the band your appreciation and support by purchasing the track from Bandcamp. You can support the band by purchasing the track for more than the $1 minimum.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Additional
Resources
To learn more about BT ALC Big Band, please see the following web resources:
To learn more about Vintage League Music, please see the following web resources:
