Red Baraat
Led by drummer Sunny Jain, Red Baraat is the first and only dhol ‘n’ brass band of its kind in the States, melding the infectious North Indian rhythm Bhangra with brass funk and expressing the human spirit through improvisation and a powerful live sound. Comprised of dhol (double-sided, barrel-shaped North Indian drum slung over one shoulder), percussion and horns, this NYC-based group plays fresh originals, as well as traditional Punjabi songs and Bollywood numbers with an explosive stage performance and presence.
In the short time since their inception, the group has delivered blistering performances at the Chicago World Music Festival, Madison World Music Festival, Lincoln Center, DJ Rekha's Basement Bhangra, 4th Annual Droma Gypsy Festival, Chile Pepper Fiesta, Joe's Pub, The Kitchen performance art space, India Independence Day Parade, Barbes, as well as a live radio broadcast on John Schaefer's Soundcheck WNYC-FM 93.9, an NPR affiliate. Red Baraat also recorded the credit roll theme song for the movie, The Yes Men Fix the World and performed for Ports 1961 at the 2009 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (NYC). The group's debut CD, Chaal Baby (Sinj Records), was released on January 30, 2010.
And in case you are wondering, baraat is Hindi for a marriage procession. In North India, it is a tradition on the day of the wedding for the groom to travel to his bride’s home on a magnificently decorated horse, surrounded by an entourage of family and friends. Led by a dholi and/or a marching band, this joyous celebration naturally induces dancing and singing and is inseparable from the energy and excitement of the musical festivities.
