Hazmat Modine is “a uniquely intercontinental sonic collage encompassing a tremendous range of instrumental, vocal, and conceptual originality–all with a lot of soul and groove.” This dynamic eight-piece band has toured and performed original songs for 25+ years with genre-defying music that is quintessentially New York–vibrant international cultures meets American Roots. Diverse backgrounds in Gypsy Jazz, Downtown Avant Guard loft music, Blues, Soul, Country, Rock n’ Roll, and Roots is written and performed by musicians whose ages span every decade from their 20s to 70s. Unique instrumentation matches virtuosic trumpet, saxophone, trombone, guitar, tuba, harmonica, drums, banjo, and violin with a fantastical array of folk instruments and guest performers. The extraordinary vocals by lead Wade Schuman are riveting, rousing, and emotive, and his mastery of harmonica is unparalleled. Worldwide performances include WOMAD (England, Australia, & NZ), Jazz and Folk festivals of Berlin, Vienna, Montreal, Pori, Cambridge, Vancouver & Calgary, FMM Sines, and Live on BBC 3. They have toured from China to Brazil, Mexico, Russia, India, Malaysia, Central Asia, and across Europe. Musical collaborators have included: The Kronos Quartet, Gangbé Brass Band (Benin), Natalie Merchant, Son of Dave, and Tuva’s Huun-Huur-Tu and Alash, and Balla Kouyate (Mali). They have written for Japanese television, Wim Wenders’ film “Pina”, and the Nobel Laureates 75th Anniversary. Their newest album, BONFIRE release date May 2023.
