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16 SOUTH PHILLY REVIEW I march 29, 2012
A South of South musician is strumming his talents with a Philadelphia-based indie group while laying the solo tracks for his album. By Jess Fuerst Review Contributor
R
ight now, Brooke Blair is learning how to play the ocarina. “It’s not going too well,” Blair, of 20th and Bainbridge streets, said. “It’s always been an interesting sound so it seemed like a fun little challenge. There are sounds on a keyboard that are like it, but they sound false and corny, so I felt like doing the real thing.” The ancient flute-like instrument is just the latest in line that Blair, who has taught himself every instrument he plays, has looked to conquer. “My dad always had instruments around. It was more of a hobby. He was never a musician,” Blair said. “He would make instruments, like banjos and acoustic guitars, percussion instruments [that were] laying around the house. I played piano, drums and played in a high school band.” Now, Blair and his younger brother, Will, are members of East Hundred, a locally based indie rock group founded in 2004. Working with his brother is a blessing and a challenge — but no more so than making all five band members happy. “Usually [Will and I] always end up spending enough time on every issue that we compromise and it’s usually better because of it,” Blair said. “More so than being brothers, it’s hard enough if you get five people in a room long enough and try and get them to agree on anything, it’s difficult. “We have a democratic way of doing things but ultimately we get five people to play and we are all equally happy or agree on it.” The band has toured in the past and played many local shows, with the next coming up April 5 at North Star Bar. However, recently, Blair has spent a lot of time working on his newest venture.
Photo by Justin Clowes