CONTRABAND (00S)

Contraband, a Seattle-based band, fuses jazz with classic video game music, creating a dynamic and innovative musical experience. Established in 2008 by saxophonists Cliff Colón and J. Charles, Contraband draws inspiration from iconic 8-bit melodies, translating electronic scores into lively jazz compositions that captivate audiences. Named after Konami's '80s game Contra, Contraband channels the high-energy essence of video game music through their vibrant jazz arrangements. Their ensemble features Jacques Willis on vibes, Andy Coe on guitar, Farko Dosumov on bass, and the Marriott Brothers—Thomas on trumpet and David on trombone—joining original members Colón, Charles, Eric Verlinde on keys, and D’Vonne Lewis on drums. On their sophomore release, "Reloaded," Contraband expands their repertoire to include beloved Konami themes from Metroid and Castlevania. The album showcases standout performances, from expressive solos by Colón and Charles to inventive guitar work by Coe and rapid-fire vibraphone sequences by Willis. Contraband's music resonates with both seasoned gamers and read more...