Dopey Monkey beatboxing antics set for USA

A beatboxing tuba and euph duo are hoping to raise funds to send their Dopey Monkey music to the USA.

Nothing to do with Alan Partridge, but plenty to do with a pair of talented low brass musicians

Friday, 12 April 2019

It may sound like a title conjured up by Alan Partridge in a vain attempt to get himself back on the BBC, but Dopey Monkey could well be about to bring an exciting new musical genre to the art of low brass duet playing — starting in America.

Beatboxing

Consisting of Martin Lee Thomson on euphonium and Danielle Price on tuba, the duo draws upon their love of various styles of music to create new compositions and arrangements, all with an added twist of beatboxing grooves.

They are now crowdfunding to perform their unique music making at the International Tuba and Euphonium Conference

Debut album

In 2018, Dopey Monkey made their international debut when they were invited by Sergio Carolino to perform as new artists at the prestigious low brass festival Gravissimo, which features some of the world's greatest low brass artists, and now they have just launched their debut album, entitled, 'Mulled'.

Martin studied at St Mary's Music School in Edinburgh and is currently in his fourth year of study at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance. He has also worked as a freelance musician with a variety of ensembles and most recently appeared on the Mercury nominated jazz musician Laura Jurd's album 'Stepping back, Jumping in'.

Martin is a recipient of the Fordham University Founder's Scholars award as well as the Donald Dewar award which supports the brightest and best of Scotland's young artistic talent.

Meanwhile, Danielle studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and has enjoyed a versatile career playing in a range of projects and ensembles including the traditional jazz ensembles the Copper Cats and The Red Hot Rhythm Makers as well as performing in the bands of Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat, Oxbow and with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

the duo draws upon their love of various styles of music to create new compositions and arrangements, all with an added twist of beatboxing grooves4BR

Musical taster

To enjoy a musical taster of what the duo are up to go to: https://vimeo.com/226759719

Find out more about Dopey Monkey go to: www.dopeymonkey.co.uk

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