::GET FAMILIAR:: SAUN AND STARR

::GET FAMILIAR:: SAUN & STARR
Written by George Kilpatrick 

Timeless vocals and a fresh take on soul/funk music have made for the very fruitful career of Saun & Starr. This week’s get familiar Friday goes out to two vocalists, each with decades of experience in the music industry. 

Saun & Starr had been performing vocalists for many years but struggled to find consistent work. Their performance credits respectively included work with The Victor Wooten Band, Mel’isa Morgan, and most notably Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. 

Through their work with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings, they began to get opportunities to open for shows and eventually decided to formally become a group of their own. The genesis of their growth with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings helped them to refine their sound and prepare for their solo career.

Saun & Starr’s sound can be described as old school funk & soul that leaves with a smile on your face. Recently, the soulful duo released their debut album LookCloser on Daptone Records. One listen to their music will have you dancing around your house reminiscing about the hey day of funk music when artists like Curtis Mayfield, Isaac Hayes, and Aretha Franklin were regularly serenading your ears on the radio waves. On their debut record, tunes like “Hot Shot” and “Big Wheel” are both memorable and timeless.  

Overall Saun & Starr are not new to the industry but embarking on a journey of affirming their talent and sharing good music with us. Saun & Starr are actively performing throughout the country and around the world. Their live shows are high energy and packed with feel good music. 

We are glad to feature Suan & Starr this week on #GetFamiliarFriday. We encourage you to give their music a listen and get even more familiar with Saun & Starr: follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook and be sure to check out their tour, in a city near you!

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::GET FAMILIAR:: CHARLES BRADLEY

::GET FAMILIAR:: CHARLES BRADLEY
by Daniel Harris

My love for Daptone Records and what they do for music is neither a secret nor does it know an end. Co-founders Gabriel Roth and Neil Sugarman have taken an almost extinct genre and breathed life into music and the artists making the music. Charles Bradley's emergence on the music scene is a testament to Roth and Sugarman's ability to spot raw and untapped talent.

Charles Bradley's career in music reads much like a novel or screenplay. As a teen, Bradley ran away from home in search of a better life for himself. After many cold nights sleeping on the streets and subways of New York, Bradley joined Job Corp and trained to become a chef. It was here where

Charles overcame a fear to discover his true calling.

Co-workers often mentioned that Charles favored the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Through encouragement (and being literally pushed onto the stage) Charles began performing with friends and fellow co-workers. However, at the onset of the war in Vietnam, Charles' band was drafted and his hopes of stardom seemed to have vanished.

After living in places like upstate New York, Seattle, Alaska and Canada, Bradley moved to California in a continued search for a better life. He worked odd-jobs and took small singing gigs to support himself, never finding his break. For the next 20 years, Charles continued searching in California until he was asked to return to New York. Fate, it seemed, would finally intervene to give Charles his chance.

 

While in New York, Charles performed as a James Brown impersonator in local Brooklyn nightclubs under the moniker "Black Velvet." During one fateful performance, Daptone Records co-founder Gabriel Roth discovered the talent that is Charles Bradley. Finally, Mr. Bradley had found his big break.

Charles' raspy voice, incomparable style and no nonsense, straightforward lyrics are a true reflection of who he is. He is a man with lots of pain, love and life experiences. Daptone Records' analog recording style and deep appreciation for the Soul genre and sound make this label the perfect medium for Charles Bradley.

 

His latest offering, Victim of Love, finds Bradley moving past "heartache and pain" and moving toward "the promise of hope." A good message to have considering he is now a soul sensation and finally living his dream.

 

Charles Bradley's story is not uncommon. Many artists struggle when trying to find their moment. However, at 66 and having struggled for most of his life, Charles is a true testament of never giving up, no matter the odds.

 

Get even more familiar with Charles Bradley, follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook

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::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTIBALAS

::GET FAMILIAR:: ANTIBALAS
by Daniel Harris

Widely regarded as the creator and originator of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti's fusion of funk, Nigerian and Ghanian music, jazz, highlife and vocals, has led the genre to become one of the most creative and original forms of music. More than just good music to get the people moving, Fela's Afrobeat was charged with spiritual and political messages that challenged European imperialism, colonialism and a corrupt Nigerian government.

Today, being a group that recreates the Afrobeat sound is a tall order. Unlike most genres, Afrobeat is a powerful weapon that challenges the status quo. It is not enough to just stop short of reproducing Afrobeat's sound, artists must also carry its message. Antibalas' recreation of Afrobeat carries both its unique, unforgettable sound and its powerful message.

New York isn't probably the first place that comes to mind when it comes to Afrobeat. However, in 1998, Martín Perna put together a group of likeminded musicians who all shared a love and passion for Afrobeat. With his group now solidified to 11 members, Perna and Antibalas began playing at clubs, street festivals, block parties and public parks.

Over the years, this group has proven that they are much more than a cover band. Rightfully so, with its heavy hitting rhythms, masterful horn arrangements and thought provoking lyrics, Afrobeat should not be covered or used merely to entertain. Antibalas has worked to be seen more as disciples of the genre.

Using the structure of the genre as a foundation, Antibalas adds elements of dub, Afro-Cuban and improvisation to create something that is truly there own. What they haven't changed about the genre is its power to affect change and cause listeners to think deeper about the world around them. Songs like "Dirty Money" and "Si, Se Puede" showcase Antibalas' socially conscious side.

Most recently, Antibalas is the band behind Broadway's "Fela," a musical that dives deep into the life of Fela Kuti. Antibalas has established itself as a band that respects the tradition of Afrobeat while bringing their own flavor to the genre. This is a band that people should definitely be familiar with.


Get even more familiar with Antibalas and see them live on tour with Zap Mama!

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