Carlos Menezes Jr’s BrassFed Nation is a horn-driven groove machine with a unique sound incorporating the styles and traditions of early jazz, New Orleans funk & soul, rhythm & blues, calypso, and Jamaican ska! The program will feature a rotating cast of members from Cape Ann Big Band, Jambalaya Horns, and The DubTone Orchestra. Paying homage to the infectious beats and sounds of New Orleans, the Orchestra will cue the “Big Four” and transport audience members back to the streets of the Crescent City for a night of horn-powered Funk and Soul! This year’s program will showcase members of The Jambalaya Horns and feature a number of guest instrumentalists from the New England music scene! Featured vocalists are Jacyn Tremblay and New Orleans’ very own Henri Smith.
Founded in 2013, The BrassFed Nation is a collective featuring 4 unique ensembles who all strive to inspire and connect musicians of all ages through private studio lessons, performances, workshops and interactive clinics.
ABOUT CARLOS MENEZES JR:
Primarily playing the Tenor Sax and Trombone, Carlos strives to bring the big sounds of his main influences, Gene Ammons, Stan Getz, and Sonny Rollins to the stage. Reflecting his own sound and style, audience members can expect a few squeaks and honks in good humor. In 2011 he formed the Cape Ann Big Band with friends Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, Paula Burns, and Rick Geraghty. What was just a pipedream quickly became a reality when the group found the roster full in just a week’s time. Since then, the Cape Ann Big Band has performed over 29 consecutive sell-out performances and has become a staple in the North Shore during the holiday season.
Between 2012 and 2017 he toured professionally on sax and trombone with NYC’s “The Toasters” and had the honor and privilege of playing alongside some of the best in the genre. In that time he performed in front of thousands of fans across 43 countries in 4 different continents. Whether the audience was a couple hundred in a small club or tens of thousands in a stadium, the experience was enlightening and revealed just how powerful music can be when it comes to connecting people. Driven by the support of his family, friends, bandmates, and community, he will stop at nothing to inspire and connect audiences and listeners of all ages!
ABOUT JACYN TREMBLAY
Jacyn Tremblay is a versatile singer, songwriter, and recording artist with over 2 decades of professional experience! She currently performs throughout New England with the 9-piece band, Beantown. Other musical credits include single releases on Universal/Motown Records in the pop/r&b vocal group Jada, pop/rock singles in the duo Venus Mars Project, performing as a regularly featured soloist with the Hillyer Festival Orchestra, Jay Daly’s BBQ Brass, The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra and most recently The Merrimack Philharmonic. Her original pop trio Three Second Chances just released their EP on November 2nd 2023 to all digital and streaming platforms and their Christmas song “When The Tree Goes Up” is featured in the Hallmark Channel movie “Letters to Santa” this season! The group also just performed live in NBC Boston’s The Hub. Jacyn is also the co-producer of MUSE—A Salute to Divas Showcase—a concert experience featuring regional female talent-aiming to empower and inspire female musicians everywhere!
ABOUT HENRI SMITH
Henri Smith embodies the very essence of New Orleans, a city synonymous with jazz’s birth. His musical journey began in his formative years, where he meticulously honed his musical skills, giving birth to a unique and captivating vocal style that defines his artistry. Over time, Henri has emerged as a distinguished torchbearer of the city’s musical heritage, enchanting audiences spanning the United States and Europe alike. Tracing his path from the vibrant streets of New Orleans to the idyllic shores of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, Henri’s story is one of resilience and evolution. Amidst the ebb and flow of life, his commitment to preserving and sharing the Creole and Cajun legacy remains unwavering, a testament to the unyielding spirit of New Orleans. From his beginnings to his current home, each note he sings resonates with the indomitable spirit that defines his beloved city.
