Fanfare music has some very notable components that make it stick out from other genres. Along with a large outfit of musicians and a pounding drum beat one of the most recognisable parts of fanfare is the trumpets. Though these blaring brass horns can be used for more solemn occasions in a fanfare they signify celebration and a welcoming to the crowds who witness them. In modern music there aren’t as many trumpets present, unless of course you look into the ska genre. This lively and loveable style of sound originated in Jamaica which is significantly far enough away from Germany for there to be no crossover. However, this fun and exciting sound that mixes reggae with rock may well be the best modern equivalent of fanfare.
Always Celebratory
As stated, fanfare music is often brought about by a celebration, marching bands are most frequent at parades and sporting events and clearly have become well recognised as a symbol of a joyous occasion. Adopting the carefree Caribbean mindset that are deep in its roots, Ska music also constantly delivers a sound which is resoundingly happy. From its up-tempo constant rhythm guitar strums to its bright and uplifting melodies often made more exciting by more guitars, it’s hard to stay said when listening to ska. The German band The Busters make this very clear in their ska cover of ‘Don’t Worry Be Happy’.
Pounding Drums
The big bass drums that dictate the pace of marching bands are another of the staple elements that can’t be ignored. In ska however the drums are equally pounding the difference here is that their speed is significantly faster. Though sometimes the drums do remain steady in the back, more often than not they are dictating the rapid speed of the constantly moving sounds here. It’s as if someone sped up fanfare and it became ska music. The snare drums are also very noticeable in fanfare as they add a sharp contrast to the low drums, ska also provides this too as the snare syncs with kick drums to create a snappy rhythm you won’t forget.
Constant Rhythm
It’s very easy for even the youngest of crowd members to get into the beat of a fanfare. Thanks to the drums leading the way and many of the instruments leaning in in perfect time with the rhythm, you can’t help but not your head or tap your feet here. This is very much the same in ska, just in fast forward. What helps ska bands is that the guitars, keys and other instruments amplify the rhythm by constantly playing to it which provides the constant movement and bounce that ska is well known for. Both styles are music make it almost impossible to not join in by moving your body.
Total Trumpets
A focal point in fanfare and one of the pieces in ska that easily separates it from other genres of rock is its addition of brass. The beloved sounds that fire out of the golden instruments bring a delightful warmth and often make up many memorable melodies. The trumpets cement ska as a natural evolution of fanfare in modern music as both styles, though separated by time are each indicators that you and the crowds gathered are going to have a great time.
