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Monday, September 20, 2021

ACL 2021: BLK ODYSSY

Sunday at noon.  This is the band I'm most excited about. I really love this albumThis review says it better than I could:

"What exists in BLK ODYSSY's stunning debut album BLK VINTAGE is the type of sound that is beautifully uncomfortable....BLK ODYSSY exists somewhere between the topical and liberating abstract jazz-funk of Fela Kuti, the smoky and distinct introspection of Kendrick Lamar, and the billowing neo-soul of D'Angelo.  What emerges is one of the most inspired and important projects of the year, and undoubtedly the birth of a new and luminous star for modern funk music. "

The Statesman review calls it "one of the best albums of the year, in Austin or anywhere."

Some things I learned:

Sam Houston now lives in Austin but he is from Plainfield, NJ.  Funk legends George Clinton and Parliament are also from Plainfield.   He says to NPR: “All the musicians that I grew up with are relatives of Parliament members. We grew up in that culture, it inspires who we are,”

His brother was, according the the article, "killed at the hands of police officers".  Not sure why they worded it that way.  It influences his music and his activism.  The last song on the album, "Drinking Good" is about it. 

He started out as an Americana artist but this album is a major shift.  I'm not sure what they will perform live.  

Hard to pick one song to single out.  The album is better as a whole.  Here's a sample:


1 comment:

the future Mrs. Smith said...

I love this album too. I bought it on bandcamp. Funkentology is the one KUTX currently has in rotation. I listened to some of Sam Houston’s stuff when he first moved here. I don’t think it was Americana. I ’d like to hear some of that.