The Jaipur Kawa Brass Band romps its way through the joyous world of Indian brass from Rajasthani folk and classical Indian music to Bollywood and beyond. Their riotous trumpets, trombones, euphoniums are peppered with the sounds of a winding clarinet and the loud, clattering of drums.
Brass bands have had a presence in India since the 18th century when the ensembles were introduced by the ruling British colonialists. Today, brass bands are firmly a part of Indian tradition and are hugely popular at weddings, births, national events and religious ceremonies.
Band leader, Hameed Khan 'Kawa' formed the Jaipur Kawa Brass Band in order to develop his inspiration for blending Hindustani folk and classical traditions with brass band music. The band is made up of the finest gypsy musicians from Rajasthan and for live dates they are joined by a hypnotic Kalibelia dancer and a fakir, whose enthralling on stage antics include swallowing sabres, outrageous juggling and extreme gravity-defying balancing.