How was the “Bitin Brass Band” born?
Far from being monochromatic, the band is a patchwork of unique characters,
a sweet mix of metropolitan and Caribbean brass band musicians willing to pay tribute to the island that has inspired them for years. Art and architecture lovers, sometimes dreamy and often pragmatic, a little intellectual for some of them, they all dare to metamorphose when they compose. “Bitin” or “biten”
in Creole means this “stuff”, this “thing”, this “mess”, this “chaos” almost indefinable that unites this large family anchored in St-Barths. They were meant to meet: the jolly fellows grow up together with the band, to the sound of an alchemy of chords. Builders in professional life, their cement is nothing else but friendship and a desire to share. As Adrien Gaume Bechet presents it, “the “Bitin Brass Band” was born from a desire for after work escape and offering authentic music that contrasts with the electro DJs of crazy island nights.”
Since its creation in 2013 by Nicolas Gessat, the musicians have encountered each other, enriching their music. Some are just passing through and others stay for good like Alexandre Chmysko at the Bass Drum;
Paul Emile Baggea / Drums & vocals; Adrien Gaume Bechet / Helicon, Nicolas
Gessat / Trombone; Julien Seguret / Trombone; Hugo Brunet / Wagnerian tuba;
Mathieu Rouzeyre / Tenor saxophone; Christophe Covarel / Alto saxophone;
Nicolas Lossent / Trumpet & vocals; Bérengère Couput / Trumpet & vocals;
Aurélien Berlizon / Guitar.
But what is there exactly behind these suspenders?
Isn’t life a staging where everyone plays with the
moments when they are performing? The suspenders are a stage outfit, certainly, but they add some meaning to the performance!
Beyond holding up pants, the suspenders add style and a whimsical touch. Those simple elastic bands act as a connection between two worlds. They are a nod to the inhabitants of the island who once wore rolled up pants, straw hats and open shirts. This accessory is far from trivial as it reflects Caribbean elegance and makes the link with the “typically French” side of our amateur artists. No doubt, these friends love the island, and they thrive in its swaying atmosphere.
A Boy’s Band, but not only!
Are they attracted by mermaid singing? No doubt… Muses are more than welcome in this manly tribe! Claire first, and now Bérangère, contribute to the band’s balance. As one member said, “it is quite natural to have some female presence. It symbolizes grace, opens doors to a different musical sensibility.” They are disciplined when they perform, however rehearsals can give rise to exchanges tinged with humor and sometimes lead to discussions with testosterone… a little bit of feminine wand helps this joyful overflow refocus!
Why is it so unique?
A subtle equation of warmth, friendship and colorful notes. The Bitin Brass Band is a human adventure whose goal is to meet to play and share with passion the music that binds them. In the prime of life, their swing and
charismatic simplicity act as a collective action. Dancing in the air and smiling to the wind, do they realize that their charming casualness plays a cathartic and even sometimes life-saving role that let emotions flow? Aya Nakamura or Kev ‘Adams, as nice as they are, just have to watch out…The Bitin Brass Band jazz is part of an intergenerational music with many granularities. The musicians like to revive the tradition of Jazz by offering an eclectic repertoire (Gypsy Jazz and Eastern Brass, Latino, Creole music, American Soul, New Orleans…). As keen explorers, they prefer to diversify musical experiences and perform in front of different audiences. They belong to the cultural landscape of St-Barths. Outside their fish tank, they also feel at ease in private parties, local celebrations and festive parades.
Ole! From incisive brass to intoxicating percussion, their music is lively and
overflows with emotion. Stage moments are a work of exaltation that they
share by spreading good vibes to their audience with solar and communicative energy.
The 3 pillars of Jazz are rhythm, sound and improvisation. What would be the 4th one for the Bitin Brass Band?
Getting away from ultra-formal chords to make notes waltz, improvising to better feel and share the acoustic sound so that it becomes a natural breath,
This is what could characterize the spirit of the band. Behind this sweet mess, the shows are extremely well prepared! Jazz depicts power and fragility, joy and sadness. It is the perfect musical comfort to come along the tonalities of life. Their Jazz warms the hearts and their interpretations of “Calle Moteur” or “Rosalie” give pep while “Get Lucky” is inspiring.
And to end with a bang, we have a scoop! You may soon get your “Pocket Bitin” and take it everywhere thanks to live online recordings!
