Ernie Chang, the saxophonist for Andy Frasco & The U.N., is using his time in quarantine to explore his broader stylistic preferences. In a new video, Chang recruits members of bands like Turkuaz, Wild Adriatic, Sophistafunk, and more to play something totally different than what they play with their respective touring bands: 1940s jazz.
As Chang explained to Live For Live Music, “This project was something that came to me during quarantine. [I] thought it would be a great idea to collaborate with different people from different groups creating something we don’t usually play. … This video consists of Josh Schwartz and Mikey Carubba from Turkuaz, Mike Oehmen from Wild Adriatic, Tommy Weeks from Sophistafunk/Funky Dawgz, Chris Lorentz (Darren Chris/The U.N.) and myself.”
Chang noted that the drum and bass parts were recorded first, and the four horn parts were layered over that backing track. Dressed in their finest performance tuxedos, the four horn players begin the video with a virtual toast before the bass and drums appear to kick off a performance of jazz standard, “Four Brothers”. Watch this collection of jam scene horn players show that their swing chops are still working just fine after years of funk and rock ‘n’ roll below:
“Four Brothers” Quarantine Cover ft. members of The U.N., Turkuaz, & More
Ernie Chang also noted that he hopes to make this a series with various members of touring bands. For now, you can support the cause and help fund future collabs by dropping a little something in Ernie’s virtual tip jar (Venmo: @Ernest-Chang / Paypal: ernie.chang1@gmail.com / CashApp: $erniechang1).