The Budos Band returns to Seattle Friday and Saturday nights, showing off their cinematic afro-funk-soul-jazz fusion at Neumo's. One of the first groups signed to the Daptone record label, the Staten Island, New York-based ensemble finds the dark, psychedelic corners of the micro-genre.
Last year's Long in the Tooth album is another step in their unique musical direction. The band's hard-rock musical elements move into garage-rock roughness, as on "The Wrangler," "Gun Metal Grey" and the album's title song. Spooky, psychedelic organ backed by thick beats sets the scene for triumphant, minor-chord-leaning horn charts that run mostly three minutes or less. A few choice horn solos lend improvisational immediacy and coolness.
With some band members entering fatherhood and others moving to California, coordinating schedules can be difficult. So these two nights in Seattle should not be taken for granted. With the Long in the Tooth album's positive reception and the Budos Band back on the road, it's clear they're here to stay.
For their two nights at Neumo's, Seattle-based ensemble Cytrus will open the shows with their disco-tempo, horn-powered funk instrumentals. They self-released their debut EP, Inside Voices, last year.
The New Cool airs Fridays at 9 p.m., hosted by Abe Beeson and produced by KNKX Public Radio in Seattle, Wash.
