Red Baraat at The Annex, July 13, 2010

Fusing staccato bhangra beats of the dhol with funky, soul-filled horns, New York City’s Red Baraat were in town a couple of weeks ago to treat us to some DnB of a different kind. The band claims to be the first and only dhol ‘n’ brass in the States and recreates (with a twist) the music, mood and excitement generated by a marching band that leads a Hindu wedding procession. Baraat is the Hindi word for a marriage procession… somewhat akin to a New Orleans second line. The hour and a half long, high energy set was perfect for a mid-week’s night of dancing with the band providing helpful tips to get some bhangra action going on the dance floor. It is a pity that folks did not show up in numbers that would be more along the lines of a shaadi (wedding). Well, we are hoping the band is back in town this Fall for some more of the percussion-horn-dholki combo, when the baraatis are back in town from summer break.