Banger Factory fireworks as Mark Kavuma label showcase takes over Milton Court for a night and Kinetika Bloco fill the stage

Celebrating the official launch of Mark Kavuma’s Banger Factory record label, this was a night of gradual build, from a single whirring Hammond organ to a raucous whirlwind of brass. Two things were clear throughout: the abundant talent of these performers, and the joy that they felt in playing this music. As MC Gordon Wedderburn insisted from the outset: this was a celebration.

Starting in a trio format, Kavuma laid down his habitual horn to showcase his piano chops. Joined by the piston-like Will Cleasby on drums and the multi-skilled Artie Zaitz (also instrument-hopping from guitar to organ), the trio played a short, foot-tapping set of driving hard bop, blues and gospel influences very much present.

Up next was the Banger Factory, a supremely talented ensemble founded by Kavuma in 2015, and which gives its name to his record label. An array of brass enters the stage, creating a formidable and arresting sound which is also irresistibly playful. Trumpet in hand, Kavuma navigates the changes with blasts of powerful, punchy melody, contrasting nicely with the smoother timbre of the saxophones, wielded with aplomb by Mussinghi Brian Edwards, Ruben Fox and Theo Erskine. Back on guitar, Zaitz's solo runs are effortlessly sharp and creative, while David Mrakpor's free-flowing vibes shine through on the ebullient tune which bears his name. For the set's final song, a gospel choir emerges from the tardis-like wings for a rousing cover of spiritual piece One More River. It's a moving moment of onstage communion that raises a smile if not a tear here or there.

After a short break, Kinetika Bloco (pictured above) fill the stage. To apply the old meme formula, the answer here to "how much brass do you want?" is "yes". The large, youthful group offer a sound familiar to anyone who has attended the Notting Hill Carnival: rapturous horns, frenetic percussion, infectious exuberance. With their album 'Legacy' released on the Banger Factory label in 2021, it's fun to imagine Kinetika Bloco as a sort of madcap musical factory. As they enter full swing, with brass roaring and percussion pounding, one can well imagine bursts of steam on stage, dials juddering into the red. A slower-paced number, 'Honesty', features epic low end harmonies from the tubas and bass clarinet, swelling and enveloping the crowd. Overall, this was an extremely enjoyable night, a treat for the ears, the eyes and the soul. We can look forward to a lot more bangers to come from these manufacturers.