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In: Aisle 5, ALBUMS

While many young ATLiens were at Widespread Panic or Umphrey’s McGee this past Saturday, the best audiophile treat was the sold out show by The Midnight Hour across town at at Aisle 5 which I had the opportunity of seeing and hearing. The Midnight Hour is Black excellence: an ode to the cultural sophistication that the Harlem Renaissance established for its people. The Midnight Hour is comprised of Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Adrian Younge, alongside a tight rhythm section and a full orchestra. The album has features from CeeLo Green, Raphael Saadiq, Marsha Ambrosius, Bilal, Eryn Allen Kane, Karolina, and more. https://linearlabsmusic.com/ Ali Shaheed Muhammad isContinue Reading

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It’s been a great year for funky music, both recorded and in live shows. Here’s what kept us up at night and pumped during the day. I’m pleased to present a short review of a long list of my top albums of the year. Top Ten Tower of Power triumphantly returns on their 50th anniversary with an album that scintillates in synthesizing all of the great elements that have made them icons over their career- exceptional horn work, great lyrics and vocals, tight instrumental numbers and an overall cohesiveness that makes this the Album of the Year. Check out theContinue Reading

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In what has become an Atlanta tradition, Kevin Scott continues to expand and outdo himself each year with his “Funky Christmas” spectacular. Originally started as part of ATL Collective’s series of classic album productions and focused on the “James Brown Funky Christmas” album, this 5th year event has grown in the sheer number of fantastic artists that participate and the range of music performed. Kevin put together a masterpiece, bringing this fabulous crew together for one of the most unforgettable shows of the year. This year’s show grew to fill the Buckhead Theater, ran for more than 2 1/2 hoursContinue Reading

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Pigeons Playing Ping Pong sold out Variety Playhouse for 2 nights, November 2 & 3. The shows were part of the Red Hot Sgt. Peppers Halloween run and were super fun. Here’s the first and second set videos from the second night.  Continue Reading

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In: BLOG POSTS, Snarky Puppy

Bill Laurance, keyboard/pianist virtuoso, of Snarky Puppy fame recently performed a short concert series with the world famous WDR Big Band.  The band was conducted by Bob Mintzer (saxophonist from The Yellowjackets) and the result was an extraordinary brilliant performance by all concerned.  Previously Bill has toured not only with the Pups but also as a solo act and a quartet. His own albums include Flint, Swift, After Sun, and Live at Union Chapel (with Michael League, Felix Higginbottom and Robert “Sput” Searight.  It was on the Live at Union Chapel that we got a taste of how Bill’s tunesContinue Reading

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Our point blank view is that Kamasi Washington is the most engaging, inspirational, spiritual and talented saxophonist of the last 50 years!  Yes, we have other favorites but Kamasi is the man with the message.  Flat out, his shows are not to be missed and are truly experiential, from the sound to the sights to the positive vibes. And, he’s been that way since he splashed onto the scene just over 3 years ago with his initial release, having the conviction to come out with a three-CD set for his debut AND calling it “The Epic.”  It immediately established himContinue Reading

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Super funky, high energy (of course), brass house band Too Many Zooz had the Amphitheatre Stage thumping at Hulaween 2018! Here’s the full set for your viewing pleasure!  Continue Reading

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This review combines my takes on the album and the songs along with insights and comments from my interview with Jordan Linit, co-founder and guitarist conducted on October 24, 2018. Analog Son, a not brand new funk band out of Denver founded by Josh Fairman (bass, also with Sunsquabi) and Jordan Linit (guitar) — just released Funky Mother (buy it here now), their fourth disc but their first on the Color Red group/label.  Of course, Color Red is a brand new hub of high-quality, curated content founded by Eddie Roberts of The New Mastersounds. There’s so much goodness on the disc as everyContinue Reading

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In: BLOG POSTS, Terminal West, Variety Playhouse

What kind of mix is this? It’s some great new releases from Bokanté, Jungle, and Rubblebucket, some great shows we’ve been to including Moon Hooch, Dumpstaphunk and Bumpin’ the Mango, and some cool classics. 1. Jungle – Beat 54 (All Good Now) – For Ever Jungle is kind of an under the radar band that released their first eponymous album in 2014 and was a global club sensation for the next couple of years. We had the good fortune to see them twice during that initial release.  For Ever, the second album, just released is just as cool, characterized byContinue Reading