Pax Volumi
Youngblood Brass Band · 2013
56 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of jazz, hip-hop, and brass band traditions creates an energetic call to social awareness and community engagement.
Top tracks — play these first
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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot — This track stands out for its incisive commentary on societal issues wrapped in infectious rhythms, making it both danceable and thought-provoking.
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Ain’t Nobody — The band's interpretation transforms this classic into a joyous anthem that showcases their unique brass instrumentation paired with powerful vocals.
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20 Questions — Opening the album with an engaging dialogue format, this track sets the tone for introspection and connection that permeates throughout the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album effectively blends jazz and hip-hop while showcasing strong brass arrangements, making it distinct within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy brass fanfare that sets a lively tone, maintaining an upbeat tempo through the first half.
- Tracks often feature intricate interplays between brass instruments and rhythmic percussion, creating a dynamic conversation rather than straightforward solos.
- Several tracks incorporate hip-hop elements, including syncopated rhythms and spoken word sections, blending genres seamlessly.
- The final track features a gradual deceleration in tempo, allowing for a reflective conclusion after the preceding energetic pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- energetic call to community action
- varied track lengths for exploration
- engaging rhythms that invite movement
- thought-provoking themes throughout journey
Maybe skip if you
- seek pure instrumental compositions
- prefer slow, meditative listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the release of Pax Volumi in 2013, Youngblood Brass Band was solidifying its status in the contemporary jazz scene after a decade of innovative performances and recordings. This album followed their previous release, 'Pax Volumi's' unique sound further showcased their evolution from a mainly street performance ensemble to a more polished studio act that engaged with critical social themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Rebirth Brass Band· Hot 8 Brass Band· Trombone Shorty
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 20 Questions 3:57
- 2 Cite the Line 4:11
- 3 Whiskey Tango Foxtrot 5:44
- 4 A Gust Inside the God 4:34
- 5 The Plank Will Nod, and You Will Go 4:00
- 6 Ê la ê 4:46
- 7 Overtime 4:20
- 8 Erik Owen 5:31
- 9 Wrestlevania 3:47
- 10 Ain’t Nobody 5:40
- 11 The Old Rugged Cross / His Eye Is on the Sparrow 2:34
- 12 Third Half 7:43
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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