Split the Air

Martin Green's "Split the Air" is a critically acclaimed live show that delves into the captivating world of modern brass banding, interwoven with powerful storytelling. It has garnered five-star reviews and is often described as "profoundly moving."

The project stems from Green's deep fascination with brass bands, sparked by a poster he saw at the National Mining Museum Scotland. He discovered in them "one of the most inspiring social music-making acts he'd ever witnessed," recognizing that while the mines might be gone, the music and the people are very much alive.

"Split the Air" is the live performance of Green's album of the same name, and it weaves together his compositions with narratives from the communities and individuals who inspired the work. The show often features collaborations with renowned brass bands, such as the Whitburn Band or Grimethorpe Colliery Band, and showcases the incredible talent of musicians like former BBC Young Musician of the Year, Sheona White, on solo tenor horn.

The live show explores themes of community, collective action, and the enduring legacy of industrial history, particularly the miners' strike of 1984-85. It's a testament to the power of music to unite and heal, revealing the vital role brass bands play in the fabric of many UK communities.

"Split the Air" is more than just a concert; it's an immersive experience that combines compelling music with poignant, often personal, stories, demonstrating how devastation, anger, pride, and a strong sense of belonging permeate the narrative. It’s a powerful and undeniably moving exploration of a unique cultural phenomenon.