Anke Lucks – trombone, composition
Almut Schlichting – baritone saxophone, composition
Christian Marien – drums
Trombone, baritone saxophone, drums – three Berlin-based musicians play with the idea of a miniature brass band in this unusual line-up. The low instruments create a voluminous sound, the small size of the band induces clarity and openness.
In spring 2017 the band received a working grant from the Berlin Senate. During the intensive rehearsal period the musicians have developed a strong collective sound and new arrangements for the repertoire composed by Lucks and Schlichting. Structurally simple, the pieces of the Insomnia Brass Band use collage-like elements of various jazz-related genres. Improvisational surprises and the willingness to take a risk are essential for the playing concept of the band.
During the working grant, the Swedish drummer Hampus Melin added a new dimension to these compositions with his transparent and unconventional way of playing before he fell in love overseas in autumn 2018.
Since October 2018 Christian Marien is playing drums with Insomnia Brass Band. Usually living in Berlin, but at home in the international scene of free music, with this band his roots in punk and rock are allowed to show through.