Brownout at Flood City
I’ve been playing Grupo Fantasma on The Soul Show for a couple of years, but only recently became aware of their Latin funk derivative Brownout. Brownout reimagined Public Enemy’s work with their own “Fear Of A Brown Planet,” and prior to that released two volumes of horn-laden Black Sabbath covers. They very recently played “Brownout Presents Brown Sabbath” at Flood City Music Festival 2019. Judging from overheard murmurings of festival attendees, it was clear that many didn’t know what to expect. I did 🙂
Here’s a good NPR article on the Chicano soul movement, including mention of Greg and Beto of Brownout:
I interviewed Greg and Beto for The Soul Show on WYEP. Here are the three segments presented on July 27th:
Joe Tex’s legacy
A year or so ago, Jason Martinko of Pittsburgh reached out to me about his new Joe Tex biography. Fast forward to now: I finished the book at 6a this morning, and interviewed Jason at 9a. Also on the phone from ATL was Joe Tex II. This coming weekend, the second-generation Tex will be joining Jason’s band for a tribute to the elder.
Segments of the interview will air on The Soul Show on 8/10, a few hours before the Hard Rock concert. Here is the extended version of the interview:
Maceo Parker at Ardmore Music Hall
I hadn’t seen Maceo play Pittsburgh since TRAF about a decade ago. Ardmore Music Hall is just this side of Philly, so the trek was made to see him there. (Note: this is a piece I’ve been holding onto for a few months.) The Ernest Stuart Trio opened, and you can hear a piece of their “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Nirvana cover. Robert Glasper has permanently affected everyone, and that is a positive statement.
Maceo was tight as always, and he gave nods to co- and departed Funkateers. Also, he presented his daughter as a vocalist. When I saw her, it reminded me of Joya Wesley, who manages dad Fred’s affairs with the care of a family member. This has to be a great formula.