Conical Jazz - Dopey Monkey

Dopey Monkey is a chamber ensemble that formed in 2015. The group draws on a large variety of influences from jazz to folk to classical and experimental music. Made up of euphonium player Martin Lee Thompson and tuba player Danielle Price, the group aims to showcase the possibilities of their instruments away from a more traditional concert setting.



The group has performed across the world including at various major conferences and festivals in the US, Spain, Scotland, and Norway. They were Dandelion Scotland Musicians in Residence for Findhorn Bay Arts Unexpected Gardens 2022, are Chamber Music Scotland Ensemble in Residence 2022-24 and 2023 chamber music participants of the Britten Pears Young Artist Programme alongside percussionist Adrian Ortman.



My quartet had the opportunity to meet Dopey Monkey at the 2019 International Tuba Euphonium Conference. They are 2 of the nicest most gracious people we’ve ever had the opportunity to interact with.




While Dopey Monkey are known for combining their unique instruments with folks and jazz instruments, this video is just a duet between tuba and euphonium. Fine and Mellow is a standard written by Billie Holiday. Typically it featured a laid back feel and long drawn out melodies. But Dopey Monkey’s version is anything but laid back. 




Price’s bass line is energetic after a short cadenza-like recitative. I like to this that the mellow from the title is represented by the colors of the instruments, rather than the feeling of the music. Her bass line gymnastics are impressive to listen to. She can jump multiple octaves in a split second and not lose any tone or time. Incredible. 


When Thompson enters on euphonium, the rhythms are loose and undefined with pitch bends and grace notes galore. Martin’s playing has inspired me in my improvisations. He is truly one of the most unique euphonium players out there. 


Dopey Monkey is a group that needs to be represented more in our community. They are true pioneers in terms of chamber music for tuba and euphonium. Definitely go follow their social media channels and subscribe to their YouTube channel!


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Today's euphonium in pop culture moment comes from the world of anime! Hibike Euphonium is an anime show that translates to Sound! Euphonium. The series follows a group of quirky high school brass band students as they struggle to master their instruments. I've honestly never seen an episode, but I know it's very popular and the main character plays euphonium! Look at that! Neat!






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