Musically almost anything goes !
The New Orleans Brass Band sound is now something that is heard and seen throughout the world. Originally repertoire was played to serve civic & church duties and was often spiritual in content mixed with more than a hint of jazz. These days, almost 'anything goes' with music arranged and composed for the idiom. Despite this, many 'staple' musical characteristics prevail - a hint of the blues in melody & harmony and a funky, swinging rhythmic drive for both dancing and marching. Barking Mad uses these ingredients to present a brassy, shackles off, in-yer-face musical number.
Jock McKenzie studied trumpet at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester where he was a joint recipient of the college’s concerto prize. Since 1987 Jock has based his musical career in Hampshire, working as a freelance trumpeter, conductor, composer, arranger and brass teacher. Currently Jock holds the position of Professional Leader (Brass) for Hampshire Music Service and is the Director of the Hampshire County Youth Band. It is the mix of all of these musical roles that has led to Jock establishing a reputation as a leading creator of brass music resources, particularly in the field of education and brass ensemble music.