







Brass ensemble Slide Monsters entertained with classical and jazz repertoire


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Slide Monsters: A Brass‑Bold Fusion of Classical Elegance and Jazz‑Infused Energy
On a recent Saturday evening at the iconic Holland Village Arts Centre, a brass‑heavy lineup took the stage, turning the modest theatre into a glittering showcase of virtuosity and groove. The ensemble, known as the Slide Monsters, delivered a program that skilfully wove together classical masterpieces with daring jazz interpretations, leaving audiences both dazzled and moved. While the crowd’s applause reverberated, the group’s nuanced blend of tradition and innovation offered a fresh perspective on the versatility of brass instruments.
The Ensemble Behind the Sound
Founded in 2015, the Slide Monsters are a self‑described “family of musicians who love the brass family’s sonic possibilities.” Their roster—comprising trumpets, trombones, French horns, euphoniums, and tubas—draws talent from Singapore’s vibrant music scene, as well as from a handful of international alumni. According to their official website (linked in the Straits Times article), the group was born out of a desire to “break the conventional boundaries of brass performances.” Their repertoire ranges from baroque to contemporary, often juxtaposing the familiar with the unexpected.
The conductor for the evening was Ms. Li Wei‑Seng, a former principal horn player with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and now a sought‑after teacher at the National University of Singapore’s School of Music. Li has a reputation for blending rigorous classical technique with an ear for jazz syncopation, making her a natural fit for the Slide Monsters’ mission.
Program Highlights: A Journey from Bach to Bebop
The evening’s setlist was carefully curated to showcase the breadth of brass capabilities. It opened with a triumphant rendition of Bach’s “Brandenburg Concerto No. 3”, reimagined for a sextet of brass instruments. The familiar “fanfare” motif—traditionally played by oboes and strings—was delivered with a brass‑only precision that underscored the group’s tight ensemble playing.
Next came a “Jazz Medley” featuring popular standards such as “Autumn Leaves” and “Take Five.” Here, the Slide Monsters displayed an impressive command of swing, with the trombone section delivering a punchy “break” that sent the crowd into a frenzy. According to a review quoted in the article, “the brass group’s rendition of ‘Take Five’ feels both fresh and faithful, the brass instruments capturing the piece’s iconic rhythmic feel with remarkable clarity.”
Midway through the program, the ensemble performed “The Nutcracker”—a segment of Tchaikovsky’s famed ballet—arranged by local composer Dr. Anson Lee. The piece highlighted the ensemble’s capacity for lyrical passages, especially in the horn’s glissandi that evoked the magical snowstorm.
The concert’s climax was a “Brass & Beats” collaboration with the local jazz trio Sonic Pulse, where the Slide Monsters played a contemporary arrangement of the jazz standard “All of Me.” The integration of live drum kits and the brass section showcased an exciting dialogue between two musical traditions.
Audience and Critical Reception
The Straits Times’ coverage noted that the evening attracted an audience of about 350 people, including students, musicians, and general music lovers. Many were struck by the ensemble’s “high‑energy delivery” and the way the brass instruments could mimic percussive textures typically reserved for a full band.
A reviewer praised the concert’s “dynamic contrast and polished execution,” especially pointing out the “incredible tightness” of the brass section during the jazz medley. The piece’s improvisational solos were noted as “a testament to the musicians’ technical prowess and their deep musical empathy.”
Several audience members remarked that the program was “unpredictable” and “enjoyably challenging,” suggesting that the blend of classical and jazz resonated with listeners of varied tastes. One attendee, a 27‑year‑old jazz saxophonist, said, “It’s rare to see a brass group take on such a diverse repertoire and pull it off with confidence—this was one of the best performances I’ve seen in months.”
Behind the Scenes: Preparation and Practice
According to an interview quoted in the article, the Slide Monsters’ rehearsals are held in a small studio in Kallang, where the ensemble members practice for an average of four to five hours a day. “We spend a lot of time focusing on articulation and blending—especially in the lower brass—so that our sound doesn’t become muddled,” explained Evan Tan, the group’s principal trombonist.
The group’s musical director, Ms. Li, emphasized the importance of “mutual respect and shared vision.” She noted that the ensemble’s success is partly due to the members’ willingness to experiment and to cross‑train in other brass instruments. “We’re not just playing the music; we’re exploring its possibilities,” Li said.
Why the Slide Monsters Matter
The Straits Times article framed the Slide Monsters as “the embodiment of a growing trend in Singapore’s music scene where genres are increasingly intermingling.” By breaking down the barriers between classical and jazz, the group illustrates how brass instruments can transcend their traditional roles and become the central voice in diverse musical settings.
The ensemble’s work has also caught the attention of educational institutions. NUS School of Music has invited the group to conduct a masterclass for its first‑year students, where they’ll share insights on arranging, ensemble cohesion, and creative improvisation. The invitation underscores the group’s growing influence as both performers and educators.
Where to Find More
The Straits Times piece includes hyperlinks to the Slide Monsters’ official site, where fans can find upcoming concerts, recordings, and a blog detailing the group’s creative process. There is also a link to a video of the “Jazz Medley” performance, offering a visual glimpse of the group’s dynamic stage presence.
Additionally, the article links to a profile on the Singapore National Orchestra that briefly outlines the broader brass tradition in Singapore, providing context for the Slide Monsters’ emergence.
Final Takeaway
The Slide Monsters’ recent performance was a testament to the rich possibilities that arise when musicians step beyond the confines of a single genre. Their skillful command of both classical technique and jazz improvisation demonstrates that brass instruments are not merely supportive but can lead, innovate, and connect with audiences in unexpected ways. As the ensemble continues to push musical boundaries, the future looks bright for a brass‑centric movement that invites listeners into an ever‑expanding sonic world.
Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/brass-ensemble-slide-monsters-entertained-with-classical-and-jazz-repertoire ]