Tickets to the the December 13th show can be purchased at: cervantesmasterpiece.com

For additional information and media resources, please visit: thecongressmusic.org, facebook.com/thecongressmusic

Los Angeles-based global jazz ensemble The Neighborhood Orchestra Collective (NOC) will release their second single “In A Little Mood,” on Tuesday, November 21st. Shorthand for “In A Little Mood for Gratitude,” the song is released ahead of Thanksgiving as an ode to the group’s ethos of community building, thankfulness, and appreciation for the dynamic musical and ethnic melting pot of Los Angeles that directly mirrors the mosaic of cultures and backgrounds that are represented throughout the ensemble members from all stations in life.

Coming hot off the heels of the group’s debut single “A Girl Like You” which features legendary underground hip-hop artist Murs, “In A Little Mood” is an engaging instrumental track that showcases zestful horn lines filtrated through an energetic rhythm section and three-piece interlocking percussion section. The track was tracked and produced by GRAMMY-award winner Josef Leimberg (Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Myka 9). The single release is accompanied by a video that showcases footage from their performance at Bridge Fest in August 2023 directly supporting Ozomatli during a free community event that hosted over 10k attendees on the recently re-opened 6th Street Bridge connecting the Arts District and Boyle Heights in East Los Angeles. The video was recorded and edited by Mudds of EOTR and can be viewed HERE.

Outside of the singles and performances at festivals that include Bridge Fest, Echo Park Rising, and Next Fest, 2023 has been a pivotal year for the collective revolutionizing the live music experience by cultivating ‘The Jazz Dojo,’ and innovative music residency and community-dwelling at Hello Stranger in Little Tokyo. Hosted on the first and third Tuesday of each month, the series is pioneering a Blockchain-based Jazz Dojo Membership NFT system to connect artists and audiences like never before awarding the first 1000 participants and exclusive NFT that provides discounts, exclusive content, and special even merchandise. The residency is frequently hosted by collaborator and supporter, Sandra Izsadore, the godmother of afrobeat who met and connected with legendary Nigerian musician and activist, Fela Kuti, during his 10-month US tour with his project Koola Lobitos in 1969. As a Black rights activist, Izsadore introduced Fela to the writings of Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and additional revolutionaries whom Fela credits with inspiring his philosophy of Blackism and using music as a weapon to voice injustice, political corruption, and colonialism.

In October, the group presented ‘Lagos x LA,’ in collaboration with Izadore and award-winning Broadway actor, Duain Richmond, who portrayed the role of Fela Kuti in the FELA! Musical on Broad and this summer’s revival at The Olney Theater in Olney, MD. Taking place on October 15th on what would have been Fela Kuti’s 85th birthday, the event commemorated the story of Sandra Izsadore and Los Angeles being an essential origin point of Afrobeat upon Fela's first tour in LA in 1969. The group’s current lineup includes 9x GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum producer Kosine on alto saxophone, sought-after baritone saxophonist and arranger Leah Concialdi previously of ATOMGA, and Enrique Cahmi, trumpet player in the acclaimed Chilian afrobeat band Newen Afrobeat cementing The Neighborhood Orchestra into true supergroup and one to watch headed into the new year.

The Neighborhood Orchestra will continue to roll out a full album of new music in 2024, nurture the residency at The Jazz Dojo, and is slated to curate additional community experiences ranging from booking stages at festivals and compiling sample packs showcasing the group’s dynamic range of musical styles and arrangements.

For more information and to learn more, follow the band on Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and YouTube.

Guitarist Marcus Rezak continues to feed off of the momentum of his third album release, Guitar Head by recently added to his eminent list of sit-ins and collaborations performing with revered GRAMMY-award-winning blues-rock act Blues Traveler at The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, IL on “Mulling it Over” off of the band’s self-titled debut record. The unreleased video footage will premiere on Rezak’s Facebook and YouTube channels on Tuesday, November 27th at 4pm PST /  7pm EST.

The 10-minute rendition of “Mulling It Over” features an extended jam section highlighting harmonica work from Blues Traveler frontman John Popper and a ferocious guitar solo from Rezak catapulting out of the second chorus and into a spacious call-and-response section between him and Popper.

Rezak’s recently released Guitar Head was produced by GRAMMY-award winner Paul Nelson and features Ray Paczkowski (Trey Anastasio Band) on keyboards, Adrian Tramontano (Twiddle & Kung Fu) on drums, Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu & The Machine) on bass, and Erik Lawrence (Little Feat) on saxophones. The new body of work showcases a blues-oriented slant to Rezak’s virtuosic guitar playing and improvisational dexterity that tips its hat to his hometown of Chicago which is hailed as the “Home of the Blues.”

Rezak will continue to support the new album with and upcoming Florida run with dates in Key West, Fort Myers, and Stuart with additional 2024 Guitar Head tour dates to be announced soon. For a full list of dates and to learn more, visit marcusrezak.com.

The word “supergroup” has become synonymous with the city of Denver, Colorado, but Nitecap is poised to seize the scene’s spotlight with their debut single “Plátanos” available via Perception Records on Friday, September 27th. The powerhouse trio features Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), and Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band) who fuse their individual talents to craft a captivating and fresh sound that blends modern, synth-infused soul with a hint of jazz-funk. Listen to “Plátanos” HERE.

“Plátonos” is the combination of Gilley’s cutting-edge synth sound and composition mixed with Deitch’s recognizable funky pocket and J. Dilla-inspired drumming that is anchored by Fairman’s confident bass swagger pulling double duty working his engineering magic. As Fairman recalls, “This project was born in my basement during the pandemic. We were all out of work and actually had time on our hands for the first time in years. So what better way to spend that time than making music with your best friends? We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas. Soon it turned into a full-fledged band. The album has a unique blend of neo-soul, electronic, and R&B that we are excited to share with the world.  It just shows that something horrible can give birth to something beautiful.”

The group made their live debut at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in April 2022 as part of the venue’s successful SHIFT Thursday series after accumulating nearly two hours of repertoire and engaged in a session as part of KUVO’s, Denver’s long standing, prestigious jazz station shortly after. Watch footage from the session HERE.

While Nitecap is a brand new group, there is no shortage of accolades accumulated by each member of the trio. Adam Deitch (drums) is a four-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer, songwriter, and producer who has been a pivotal figure in his enduring psychedelic funk group Lettuce and genre-bending electro-soul trio Break Science. Adam’s resume spans working with the likes of legendary artists such as Average White Band, John Scofield, and Wyclef Jean. Josh Fairman (bass & engineer) has become a household name as both a bassist and engineer known for his innovative production techniques. He currently tours with livetronica road warriors SunSquabi and his production credits include working with the likes of George Porter Jr., The New Mastersounds, The Adam Deitch Quartet, and more. Ian Gilley (keyboards) pivoted from a potential professional baseball career (he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft!) to making waves in the music scene with his longtime duo project with guitarist Drew Birch, DIASTRATA (fka RECESS) and becoming a first call collaborator as part of Flamingosis Live Band and serving as the keyboardist for Perception Records labelmate, Midnight.Blue.

As the primary composer for “Plátonos,” Gilley reflects, “This one [Plátanos] started as a voice memo that I made sitting at the piano in mine and Josh’s house and then was brought to life by Adam’s bounce on the drums and Josh’s sonic prowess. I think this song is a great representation of the band as well…soulful, synthy, with a little bit of swag. This album means an immense amount to me because most of this music was made during the covid era, which was such a wild time in life looking back, but we made something that I am deeply proud of and beyond stoked to share with the world."

Nitecap’s debut record will be released via Perception Records in early 2025. For more information, please visit perceptionrecords.com.

East Bay funk, soul, and R&B legends Tower of Power have released It’s Christmas, their first-ever full-length Christmas album of their 56-year career now available on all digital streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl. To celebrate, the group will embark on a 15-date Holidays and Hits tour in December coming hot off the heels of the nearly sold out European tour they are currently embarking on.

The Holidays and Hits tour will usher in the holiday season with festive repertoire on the 11-track album blended with celebrated hits extending the band’s robust catalog including “What is Hip?” “You’re Still a Young Man,” and more. Fans new and old can expect an unforgettable spirited live performance driven by the band’s signature horn-powered melodies and infectious vocals.

Speaking to the anticipation surrounding the band’s holiday activities, founder & bandleader Emilio Castillo shares, “Preparing the It's Christmas album and the corresponding Holidays and Hits Tour was truly a labor of love. Beginning with Joe Vannelli’s super creative take on some of the greatest Christmas and Holiday hits ever to Dave Eskridge's Towerific arrangements to the artwork within the albums themselves and the theaters in which we'll be performing this winter, every step of this project was meticulously thought through with the Tower of Power universe in mind. The title track is a ToP Christmas original written by Kupka/Castillo back in the early 70’s. It’s our great pleasure to bring Christmas and holiday music - with a Tower of Power spin - into our fans' homes for generations to come."

To commemorate their holiday endeavors, Tower of Power has produced an exclusive merch line and several bundles that are available now and can be ordered HERE. For those who enjoy supporting their local record stores, It's Christmas is being serviced to independent retailers worldwide.

Listen to It’s Christmas HERE and purchase tickets to all shows HERE.

HOLIDAYS & HITS TOUR DATES

December 3: Plymouth Memorial Hall, Plymouth, MA

December 4: Infinity Music Hall, Hartford, CT

December 6: Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, Niagara Falls, NY

December 7: Golden Nugget, Atlantic City, NJ

December 8: Sony Hall, New York, NY

December 10: Midland Theatre, Newark, OH

December 11: Rialto Square, Joliet, OH

December 13: Capitol Theater, Davenport, IA

December 14: Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Prior Lake, MN

December 15: The Astro, La Vista, NE

December 17: Lensic Performing Arts, Santa FE, NM

December 18: The Fox, Tucson, AZ

December 20: La Mirada Theatre, La Mirada, CA

December 21: The Fox, Oakland, CA

December 22: Tulalip Casino, Tulalip Bay, WA

IT’S CHRISTMAS TRACK LIST

1. The Christmas Song

2. This Christmas

3. A Very Special Christmas

4. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

5. It’s Christmas (A Long Way From Home)

6. Silver Bells

7. O Holy Night

8. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

9. Mary, Did You Know?

10. Maoz Tzur

11. Christmas Medley (O Christmas Tree, Christmas Time Is Here, What Child Is This)

At this stage in his multifaceted career, funk keyboardist DeShawn “DVibes” Alexander abides by a few ground rules.

First, he’s all about albums, not advance singles. “I don’t want to show all the cards in my hand,” he says. “I want people to hear the whole thing.” Second, he insists on being in a band, not running a nebulous solo project: “As fun as a game of 21 is, it’s way more fun to play five-on-five. That way, you can pass the ball and build camaraderie.” Third, and perhaps most importantly, he wants to “hydrate your soul.”

“Ain’t no funk music? I’m here to change that,” Alexander declares. “I’ve got a funk army behind me.”

That funk army? Meet Watermelon Funk — the brainchild of Alexander and guitarist Bryce “BQuiz” Quinn. Alexander commands a dizzying array of keyboards — piano, organ, Wurlitzer, clavinet, Moog, Korg, and more. They’re joined by a phalanx of greats from the Parliament-Funkadelic universe, including vocalists Garrett “Star Child Jr.”, Benzel Baltimore Cowan, and Chiedza “Lady Chi” Kundidzora.

“Your weak points are your boy’s strong points,” Alexander says, extending the hoops metaphor. “Everybody gets a chance to score, win, and chase their dreams.” Watermelon Funk’s new album, Afrodesiac — out on Halloween — brings Alexander’s vision closer to fruition. Featuring 19 tracks, from “Funkalicious” to “Heart of a Champion,” it’s a crisp, cohesive, and kinetic display of the band’s chemistry and vitality.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Alexander comes from extraordinarily musical stock. By age three, he was making music; by seven, he was the organist at his grandfather’s church. His paternal grandmother hails from Liverpool, England, with ties to a certain mop-topped quartet. Initially self-taught, he took lessons in middle and high school before enrolling at Berklee College of Music. “That’s where I began my journey,” he reflects.

At Berklee, Alexander formed a 10-piece hip-hop crew called Viva La Hop, producing their debut album, Fantasize! From there, he became a trusted collaborator and tourmate with acts like the Marcus King Band, Son Little, Lettuce, Eric Krasno, Talib Kweli, and Robert Randolph.

He first dreamed up Watermelon Funk in 2016, inspired during a gig with Kweli at New York’s Blue Note. “I heard Herbie Hancock’s ‘Watermelon Man,’ but it was Bernie Worrell’s version,” he recalls. “I thought, ‘This isn’t just ‘Watermelon Man.’ This is Watermelon Funk.’ That’s how the name sparked.”

Needless to say, it caught fire. In 2021, Watermelon Funk released their inspired, self-titled debut album, followed by Enter the Galaxy of Woo two years later. From the outset, musicians from Lettuce and Fishbone were involved, but the band’s aesthetic and membership are deeply rooted in the Parliament-Funkadelic universe. “I really dove straight into the funk,” Alexander says. “That’s the style I love.”

To craft Afrodesiac, Alexander and Quinn did monumental pruning, reflecting their prolific output. One of Alexander’s superpowers is his ability to generate vast volumes of music — often juggling over 300 works in progress.

“I needed to have a catalog,” Alexander explains. “The producers I looked up to always had something ready when asked. I wanted that, too.”

A key collaborator is vocalist Brittany Beckett, who joined Watermelon Funk’s ranks for Enter the Galaxy of Woo and shines on six tracks in Afrodesiac. A live-performance staple, Beckett brings electrifying stage presence and theatrical flair drawn from her background as a producer and dancer.

If you’re looking for fresh, inspired contemporary funk that transcends the derivative, this is your vein. Highlights include the sultry “Freak,” featuring Star Child on vocals and rapper Termanology, the Prince-hued “Frequency,” and a standout cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay.”

Afrodesiac’s closing track, “Heart of a Champion,” may be its most revealing. Plain and simple, it’s about never giving up.

“In our industry, it’s so easy to give up because of the challenges,” Alexander says. “As a man of color, it’s harder to raise funds or get help. You see the obstacles stacked against you and have to decide: Do I stand tall, or let them destroy my dream?”

This mindset helped him weather life’s low points and transform them into joyous funk, alongside his band of brothers and sisters. “When you get through it all, you look up and see you’ve beaten everything in front of you,” he says. “Now, you’re the champ.” And there’s no Afrodisiac quite like it.

On December 21, DVibes Productions & Denver Kush Club are teaming up to present the Soulstice Soul Train Get Down at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver, Colorado. The show will be hosting a toy, coat, and food drive that will benefit Alexander's local church and organizations in the Denver-metro area. Pre-show drop-off locations will also be on-site at Cervantes' and the Kush Club and those who donate ahead of time will receive 10% off their tickets to the show.

This Watermelon Funk performance will feature Special Guests Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Garrett "Starchild Jr.," (P-Funk), Norwood Fisher (Fishbone), Benzel Baltimore (P-Funk) & More.

East Bay funk, soul, and R&B legends Tower of Power are hot on the heels of the release of their first full-length holiday album It's Christmas. The group is currently embarking on their 'Holidays and Hits Tour' which has seen packed out houses across the country and will conclude this weekend with two California dates in La Mirada on Friday and the group's hometown of Oakland on Saturday, and makes its final stop in Tulalip Bay, Washington on Sunday. As the holidays near, Tower of Power has released a visualizer of the beloved Hanukkah song "Maoz Tzur," produced by Chime Interactive's Creative Director Jon Luini and Visual Effects & Edits by Mark Thornton. Watch the "Maoz Tzur" visualizer HERE.

Originally a Hebrew poem, “Maoz Tzur” has become a staple in optimistic Hanukkah repertoire which translates into “Rock of the Ages.” The song serves as a reminder that regardless of hardships, there is strength and joy found in community.

Expressing gratitude for support of the debut holiday album and audiences across the globe who have attended shows on the band's expansive tour schedule, founder and bandleader Emilio Castillo says, "Happy Holidays to all our incredible family and fans around the world! This year has been one for the books—our 56th year as a band saw us touring internationally, from Japan to Europe, with a total of 95 unforgettable dates, and in some cases two per day! Your love and support keep the Tower of Power family going strong, and we couldn’t be more thankful. Wishing you joy, peace and plenty of soul this holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year. Let’s keep the SOUL alive in '25!"

The Holidays and Hits Tour has ushered in the holiday season with festive repertoire on the 11-track album blended with celebrated hits extending the band’s robust catalog including “What is Hip?” “You’re Still a Young Man,” and more. Fans new and old can have been treated to unforgettable, spirited live performances driven by the band’s signature horn-powered melodies and infectious vocals.

To commemorate their holiday endeavors, Tower of Power has produced an exclusive merch line and several bundles that are available now and can be ordered HERE. For those who enjoy supporting their local record stores, It's Christmas is being serviced to independent retailers worldwide.

Tower of Power performs at La Mirada Theatre in La Mirada, CA on Friday, December 20th; The Fox in Oakland, CA on Saturday, December 21st; and closes out the tour at Tulalip Casino in Tulalip Bay, WA on Sunday, December 22nd.

Listen to It’s Christmas HERE and purchase tickets to remaining California shows HERE.

Since September, Denver’s all-star quartet Nitecap has steadily been releasing singles giving listeners a sonic sampling of their robust sound palate that blends modern, synth-infused soul with jazz-funk and fusion. Comprised of the core powerhouse musicians Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), the band the into deep-pocket grooves, weaving in synth-heavy textures and dynamic arrangements for a sound that is both timeless and boundary pushing. In their latest single “Long Haul,” the group has enlisted vocalist Jarrod Lawson to lend his signature smokey, yet sultry vocals in a tantalizing proclamation of devotion to a loved one. Listen to “Long Haul” HERE.

Hailing from the Pacific Northwest and a longtime best-kept-secret in Portland’s burgeoning soul music scene, Lawson exploded as an international sensation with accolades that span from his eponymous debut album being hailed as “soul record of the year, no question” by acclaimed global tastemaker Gilles Peterson to winning ‘Soul Artist of the Year’ at the Jazz FM Awards in London to being name dropped by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Lawson cites drummer Adam Deitch as one of his musical heroes since his infatuation with his playing on the first John Scofield “Überjam” album, so when Deitch reached out about potentially collaborating on a track with his new project, he was all in. Reflecting on the process upon receiving the instrumental track and accompany message, Lawson reveals, “Of course, as luck would have it, I was getting set to leave town for some tour dates, but you can't afford to squander opportunities like this. So I worked on lyrics and melodic ideas during airport layovers, and 5 days later when I got back home, I got into the studio, knocked all the vocals out in one day, then sent the track to Adam, to which he replied, ‘Yes bro!! This is it!!!!’” Lawson’s vocals lend themselves perfectly locking in the final piece of the puzzle declaring “no matter how many times we fall, I’m here for the long haul. And if ever we lose our way, just gotta come back to home base.”

The framework of the tune was written by keyboardist Ian Gilley. Despite his lush intro on Rhodes, the locked in lofi aesthetic on Deitch’s drums, and Fairman’s pocket bass line, he liked it, but wasn’t necessarily in love with it. “It wasn’t until Adam sent it to Jarrod (Lawson) and I heard what is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing pieces of music I’ve gotten to be a part of,” shares Gilley, “The song talks about being in a relationship for the Long Haul, even when there are things in our own way. I feel like as a collective we made this sound and made it feel like Love.”

Nitecap came to life through a shared passion for collaboration and exploration, initially birthed during a rare bout of mutual downtime off the road. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production.

At the core of Nitecap’s songwriting are compositions from Gilley and Deitch, sparking a synergy between Gilley’s rich harmonic sensibilities, Deitch’s masterful rhythms, and Fairman’s polished production. In addition to Lawson’s appearance on “Long Haul,” the full album Things Of That Nature features Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Brittany Beckett (Watermelon Funk) and Collin Miller. The 10-track offering seamlessly shifts between electro-funk instrumentals to soulful thought-provoking vocal tracks crafting a truly “no skips” effort from start to finish.

Set to release their debut album on April 4, 2025, via Perception Records, Nitecap delivers a fresh, forward-thinking sound that reflects the collective artistry of its members. “We’re proud of this record,” says Deitch. “Fans of deep grooves and soulful, innovative music are in for something special.”

For more information on Nitecap, please visit: perceptionrecords.com

Rising star organist Sam Fribush and four-time GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Ari Teitel (The Rumble/Dumpstaphunk) have joined forces with four-time GRAMMY-nominated drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science) to create a groundbreaking organ trio album that fuses vintage funky soul-jazz with cutting-edge hip-hop production. Recorded straight to a vintage Tascam tape machine at Colorado Sound Studios, their highly anticipated debut LP Another Side of the Sound is set to drop on May 23rd, offering a bold reimagining of the classic organ trio format. Today, listeners can get their first taste of the album with the release of the lead single "Chester." 

"Chester" is an ode to groundbreaking organist Chester "CT" Thompson best known for his 26 year tenure with Santana and virtuosic foot pedal work often matching every note he plays in his left hand on pedals. Thompson had a ten year stint with legendary Bay Area funk, soul, and R&B powerhouses Tower of Power, who each member of DTF cite as a hallmark influence in their musical careers. "Chester represents 3 musicians playing greasy, unadulterated, instrumental funk in the purest format - to tape without a click track. We're all Tower of Power fans, so this was a groove that poured out easily from all of us at the end of a long session," says Teitel.

The song is the only song off the record that was composed on the spot, completely unplanned with Deitch directing each section, "It encapsulates the vibe of the whole record: soulful, fresh, and spirited," states Fribush,

"Due to our shared love for the rhythm section intricacies of Tower Of Power, this song just sprouted from a pure moment in the studio," echoes Deitch.

This project blossomed from a deep-rooted musical connection between Greensboro native Fribush and Detroit-born Teitel, who first crossed paths while performing at a church in Uptown New Orleans. A New England Conservatory graduate, Fribush has earned acclaim for his soulful, groove-driven organ work and collaborations with artists like Charlie Hunter and Hiss Golden Messenger. Known for his ability to seamlessly weave traditional jazz with contemporary rhythms, Fribush has established himself as a sought-after force in today’s jazz scene.

Teitel’s genre-defying guitar work and commanding stage presence have made him a fixture in Detroit’s vibrant music community. As a founding member of the two-time GRAMMY-nominated band The Rumble, he’s also toured with New Orleans funk powerhouse Dumpstaphunk and contributed to countless projects that showcase his mastery of funk, rock, and jazz traditions.

To elevate their sound to the next level, Fribush and Teitel enlisted the talents of Adam Deitch, a globally acclaimed drummer and producer with a genre-spanning résumé that includes jazz, funk, hip-hop, and electronic music. As a founding member of funk juggernaut Lettuce and one-half of the electronic duo Break Science, Deitch has collaborated with musical icons like John Scofield, Talib Kweli, 50 Cent, Wyclef Jean, Justin Timberlake, Meshell N’DegeOcello, Pretty Lights and many more. His razor-sharp timing and deep-pocket grooves proved to be the perfect fit for the trio’s dynamic vision.

The album features a captivating blend of original compositions and eclectic covers, including a soulful reinvention of The Allman Brothers’ "Midnight Rider" and a fresh take on Bel Biv DeVoe’s 1990 new jack swing anthem "Poison." From the greasy, Meters-inspired funk of "A La Gator" to the spacey, hip-hop-infused "Good Morning," the record brilliantly showcases the trio’s wide-ranging influences and exceptional musicianship.

Behind the console, sought-after recording engineer Josh Fairman was the perfect fit to capture the essence of classic organ trios with a modern spin as his resume includes work with funk mainstays The New Mastersounds, The Motet, and more. Once tracking was complete in Colorado, the album was passed to New Orleans-based GRAMMY-winning mixing engineer Mack Major, who added a polished, refined touch to the recordings, ensuring that the trio’s intricate arrangements and infectious energy were captured with vivid clarity.

By merging the rhythmic soul of classic '60s and '70s jazz with the pulse of modern beats, Fribush, Teitel, and Deitch have crafted a sound that feels both nostalgic and boldly contemporary. Their debut LP promises to captivate listeners, solidifying their place at the cutting edge of modern jazz and funk. Reflecting on the project, Teitel shares, "We're three musicians who deeply respect classic funk, jazz, hip-hop, and R&B and wanted to make a record the old-school way. All of us in the same room cutting to tape. We all tap into our influences like Jimmy Smith, J Dilla, The Meters, and Tower of Power while playing with a modern edge, and wrote tunes that serve as vehicles for all our inspiration to shine."

To learn more about the project and pre-order on vinyl, please visit https://samfribush.com/fribush-teitel-deitch.

Continuing the promotion of their acclaimed release Mustard n’Onions on Mack Avenue Records, Ghost-Note has extended their 2025 tour with new dates in the Northeast and Canada in late June and early July. Led by Snarky Puppy's multi-GRAMMY-winning duo of drummer-keyboardist Robert "Sput" Searight and percussionist Nate Werth, the band embarks on their tour starting today with a star-studded funk ensemble whose credits include work with Prince, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus Miller, Toto, and more. Tickets to all shows can be found HERE.

The 15 tracks on Mustard n’Onions — the band’s third LP, first new album in six years and debut for Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group — further Ghost-Note’s mission to provide rhythm-hungry crowds with, per Sput, “a mind-blowing healing sensation.” From the Soul Brother No. 1 tribute “JB’s Out! (Do It Babay),” through the masterfully funky “Bad Knees,” a co-write by the group’s former bass player, MonoNeon, the psychedelic-soul-tinged “Grandma’s Curtains,” and “Nard’s Right,” one of R&B/jazz hero Bernard Wright’s final recorded appearances, Mustard n’Onions delivers Ghost-Note’s supremely danceable goods. The 10-piece band’s performances are bracing in their virtuosity, affecting in their soulfulness and inspired in their sonic choices.

But the album also presents a story of an ensemble maturing and solidifying and finding an identity. On the band’s freewheeling 2018 release, Swagism, the lineup was still developing and, as Sput explains, “We didn’t have a sound; we didn’t know what we were gonna sound like.” The music on Mustard n’Onions, he says, reflects the firmed-up character of a unit whose “camaraderie and chemistry” have accrued over countless gigs. What’s more, nearly every band member has at least one writing credit on Mustard n’Onions. Sput remains Ghost-Note’s primary writer and de facto musical director, but he’s now shaping his music for and with his bandmates.

With its more focused approach to funk and vocal performances like those on “JB’s Out!,” featuring current lead singer Mackenzie, and “Grandma’s Curtains,” showcasing Sput and Dominique Xavier Taplin, Mustard n’Onions can also be heard as a “sign of what’s to come” for Ghost-Note: more vocal-led tunes, a greater emphasis on songwriting. This is, after all, a band that simply cannot stop evolving, that seems to grow and learn with every year, every tour, every gig.

Still, you can be sure that whatever the next phase brings will remain, as Sput puts it, “positively, unapologetically funky.”

The tour begins tonight at The Venice West in Venice, CA and continues through New Mexico and Arizona before a string of dates throughout Colorado including a headlining show at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom as part of the inaugural Denver Jazz Fest. The group makes their way up to the Pacific Northwest before engagements at Chickie Wah Wah and Music Box Village for shows during the second weekend of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Today's announcement includes shows at Stephen's Talkhouse in Amagansett, NY; Vogel Theater in Red Bank, NJ; Off the Rails in Worcester, MA; Jimmy's Jazz in Portsmouth, NH, and more. Rising Australian singer, producer, and keyboardist Allysha Joy will support on select dates.

The band's schedule also boasts a handful of festival plays including Mill Valley Music Festival, Rooster Walk Music & Arts Festival, Ottawa Jazz Festival, and a newly added play at The Rex Hotel during Toronto Jazz Festival. Ghost-Note is also slated to play the esteemed North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam Netherlands and San Jose Summer Fest in San Jose, California.

Full Tour Dates Are Below:

3/25/2025 Venice West - Los Angeles, CA

3/26/2025 MIM Theater -  Phoenix, AZ

3/28/2025 Meow Wolf -Santa Fe, NM

3/29/2025 Public House - Crested Butte, CO

4/1/2025 Animas City Theatre - Durango, CO

4/2/2025 10 Mile Music Hall - Frisco, CO

4/3/2025 Aggie Theater -  Fort Collins, CO

4/4/2025 The Fox - Boulder, CO

4/5/2025 Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom - Denver, CO

4/6/2025 Schmiggity's - Steamboat Springs, CO

4/8/2025 Commonwealth - Salt Lake City, UT

4/9/2025 Shrine - Boise, ID

4/10/2025 The Get Down -  Portland, OR

4/11/2025 Nectars -  Seattle, WA

4/12/2025 Wild Buffalo - Bellingham, WA

6/21/2025 Stephens Talkhouse - Amagansett, NY 

6/22/2025 Vogel Theater - Red Bank, NJ *

6/24/2025 Off The Rails - Worcester, MA *

6/25/2025 Levitate Backyard - Marshfield, MA *

6/26/2025 Jimmy's Jazz - Portsmouth, NH *

6/27/2025 Ottawa Jazz Festival - Ottawa, ON 

6/28/2025 Toronto Jazz Festival - The Rex Hotel - Toronto, ON 

6/29/2025 Montreal Jazz Festival - Montreal, QC

7/1/2025 - Stage One - Fairfield, CT *

7/2/2025 Stone Church - Brattleboro, VT *

7/3/2025 Heuser Park King of Prussia, PA 

7/5/2025 Colony - Woodstock, NY *

7/6/2025 Longs Park Summer Series - Lancaster, PA

* with support from Allysha Joy

Since September, jazz-funk all-star quartet Nitecap has steadily been releasing singles giving listeners a sonic sampling of their robust sound palate that blends modern, synth-infused soul with jazz-funk and fusion. Comprised of the core powerhouse musicians Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science), Josh Fairman (SunSquabi, Analog Son), Ian Gilley (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), and Drew Birch (DIASTRATA, Flamingosis Live Band), the band locks into deep-pocket grooves, weaving in synth-heavy textures and dynamic arrangements for a sound that is both timeless and boundary pushing. Today, Nitecap has released their debut full length album Things of That Nature via Perception Records that features ten original compositions. Listen to Things of That Nature HERE.

Nitecap came to life through a shared passion for collaboration and exploration, initially birthed during a rare bout of mutual downtime off the road. What started as late-night jam sessions among longtime friends quickly evolved into a fully realized band, fusing each member’s unique sonic identity into something entirely new. "We spent many sessions just drinking wine, playing, talking, and sharing ideas," recalls Fairman. The chemistry was undeniable, and the music naturally took shape, blending deep grooves with forward-thinking production. 

At the core of Nitecap’s songwriting are compositions from Gilley and Deitch, sparking a synergy between Gilley’s rich harmonic sensibilities, Deitch’s masterful rhythms, and Fairman’s polished production. Gilley's compositions were the spark that lit the creative fire for the band during their initial sessions in Fairman's basement. "He's a prolific writer and has a very sharp memory bank full of different types of soulful, forward-thinking chord progressions," says Deitch. Deitch also contributed a few tunes that were collecting dust on his 2012 laptop and called in guest vocalists to help the songs take their final form with contributions from notable Pacific Northwest-based soul vocalist/songwriter Jarrod Lawson, Nigel Hall (Lettuce), Brittany Beckett (Watermelon Funk) and Collin Miller. 

"The guest vocalists helped complete the range of the record, going between instrumental synth funk bangers to Marvin Gaye-esque vocal tunes that deal with the issues of the day in a poetic way.  The mix was masterfully completed by Josh (bass) and the mastering was done by Nick Townsend of Infrasonic Sound. We are proud of this record and can't wait for all the fans of drippy synth funk/future R&B/ UK electro jazz to hear what we cooked up! Enjoy your NITECAP!" exclaims Deitch.

While the group originally started as a trio project between Detich, Fairman, and Gilley, the addition of guitarist Drew Birch as a full-time member was a natural move between joining his DIASTRATA and Flamingosis Live Band bandmate Ian Gilley on another project and previously collaborating with both Deitch and Fairman on various projects. Birch joins the band on half of the tracks on the record and will partake in all live and studio activities moving forward. "Watching this band and record grow in real time was an honor. All these guys are such incredible songwriters and vibe curators. I spent a lot of time at the studio with them during the conception of the project and was later added to help color some songs, layer melodies, and play the live sessions and shows. I think the 4 of us can really conquer some incredible things and I'm excited to see what the future holds," says Birch.

Notable tracks off of the album include "Long Haul," featuring international vocal sensation, Jarrod Lawson whose accolades span his eponymous debut album being hailed as “soul record of the year, no question” by acclaimed global tastemaker Gilles Peterson to winning ‘Soul Artist of the Year’ at the Jazz FM Awards in London to being name dropped by former First Lady Michelle Obama. Lawson cites drummer Adam Deitch as one of his musical heroes since his infatuation with his playing on the first John Scofield “Überjam” album, so when Deitch reached out about potentially collaborating on a track with his new project, he was all in. The framework of the tune was written by keyboardist Ian Gilley. Despite his lush intro on Rhodes, the locked in lofi aesthetic on Deitch’s drums, and Fairman’s pocket bass line, he liked it, but wasn’t necessarily in love with it. “It wasn’t until Adam sent it to Jarrod (Lawson) and I heard what is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing pieces of music I’ve gotten to be a part of,” shares Gilley, “The song talks about being in a relationship for the Long Haul, even when there are things in our own way. I feel like as a collective we made this sound and made it feel like Love.”

"Love and Light" features Deitch's Lettuce bandmate GRAMMY-winning vocalist Nigel Hall. The track speaks to our collective, often-untapped power to make the world a better place if we band together and channels transformative, relentless optimism through Hall’s lens as a Black man living in an unjust world. “Love and light will always lead the way, if we lead with it,” shares Hall on the impetus for the collaboration. ‘Love and Light’ is really a meaningful song for me, it captures a vibe and a message that's more important than ever, especially in the climate that the United States is in right now,” continues Fairman. “Division is running rampant, and it's up to us, the people, to come together to make the world we want to see. It's hard to be positive in lieu of all the darkness we see. Hopefully this song can be a little bit of that light that leads the way.”

On the instrumental side, “Plátonos” is the combination of Gilley’s cutting-edge synth sound and composition mixed with Deitch’s recognizable funky pocket and J. Dilla-inspired drumming that is anchored by Fairman’s confident bass swagger pulling double duty working his engineering magic.

To celebrate the release of Things of That Nature, Nitecap will perform at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver, Colorado on May 9th with support from Perception Records label mate Halle Tomlinson and Mikey Thunder. Doors are at 7 and the show beings at 8. Tickets can be purchased HERE. 

Nitecap delivers a fresh, forward-thinking sound that reflects the collective artistry of its members. “We’re proud of this record,” says Deitch. “Fans of deep grooves and soulful, innovative music are in for something special.”

For more information on Nitecap, please visit: perceptionrecords.com.

Following a packed out performance with the Colorado Symphony at Mission Ballroom, Lettuce return to Denver, Colorado to perform a special show featuring GZA (of Wu-Tang Clan) at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom on July 4th. The show will take place after Wu-Tang Clan performs at Fiddler's Green Ampitheatre in Greenwood Village, Colorado on their 'Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Tour" marking the iconic hip-hop group's final show in Colorado.

Tickets to the Cervantes' performance will be available to the public at 10am MST on Friday, April 11th. Purchase tickets HERE. 

Earlier this year, Lettuce and GZA embarked on a co-headlining tour with both the psychedelic funk veterans Lettuce and the hip-hop legend GZA backed by The Phunky Nomads band performing full sets of material. There are two additional co-headlining shows slated for Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 14th and Ramova Theatre in Chicago, Illinois on May 16th.

On the upcoming performance with GZA at Cervantes' after Wu-Tang Clan's final show in Colorado and the ongoing touring activities, drummer Adam Deitch says, Wu-Tang Clan to this day has such a cultural impact on this world. GZA aka the Genius, who we’ve gotten to know and work with over the years, is an integral part of the style, knowledge, and sound of this legendary group. GZA’s album Liquid Swords is a classic, and we are honored to be sharing the stage with him and his band. Lettuce looks forward to seeing you all in attendance for this monumental shows that will join classic Hip Hop, Funk, Soul, and mysterious psych jams into one big sweaty event!”

With the newly released album Lettuce with the Colorado Symphony and their collaborative shows with GZA, Lettuce continues to elevate their status as one of the most eclectic, genre bending ensembles in today's musical circuit. Lettuce will perform two additional symphony shows performing with the Nashville Symphony on April 30th at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville, TN and May 17th with the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids, MI.

Additional highlights on the band's schedule include a pair of international shows at Hannover Open Air Festival in Hanover, Germany on May 29th and Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia on May 30th; festival plays that include Northlands Music Festival, Saratoga Jazz Festival, Rhythm & Roots, and more. In October, Lettuce will make their long-awaited return to Australia playing Melbourne International Jazz Festival and The Metro Theatre in Sydney.

For a complete list of tour dates and tickets to all shows, please visit lettucefunk.com.

DTF is the brand new organ trio from GRAMMY-nominated drummer Adam Deitch of Lettuce, GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Ari Teitel of Dumpstaphunk and rising star organist Sam Fribush of Hiss Golden Messenger. The group steps out with their debut album ‘Another Side of the Sound’ (Flybird Music), releasing Friday, May 23 on digital platforms and limited-edition vinyl.

Recorded straight to a vintage Tascam 388 tape machine over two days at the legendary Colorado Sound Studio in Denver, the 12-track LP captures an aesthetic and taste level not often found in modern-day music releases. ‘Another Side of the Sound’ has the “Funk” – that indescribable space, groove or swag that morphs modern jazz into a feel-good soundtrack of instrumental mastery. Its lead single “Chester” drips with funky organ swells, deep pockets and buttery guitar licks, earning top placement (No. 3) on Spotify’s Jazz-Funk playlist.

“We’re all playing in a quiet, kind of chill manner – letting everything breathe and not trying to fill up the space. It’s just feel-good music,” says Deitch. Teitel adds, "Being a small instrumental group, we have complete freedom to play how we want, and pull from all our influences and experience. At the flip of a switch we can move from greasy New Orleans funk to modern jazz and hip hop. Everything is on the table at all times."

‘Another Side of the Sound’ sets the tone with the album’s first track “Rolex”, a laid-back, almost boujee groove written by Teitel and riddled with classy flourishes and synth textures. “Good Morning” carries the DTF groove into a new plane as it innovatively showcases the Hammond B3 organ through a wah-wah pedal, creating a cinematic attitude reminiscent of Khruangbin.

The trio leans into disco-funk boogaloo on “Uncle T”, a dancefloor magnet with infectious interplay between drums, guitar and organ. The mid-song drop may well be the funkiest moment of the entire record. DTF also weaves a handful of unique covers of classic songs among their standout originals – reimagining the Allman Brothers classic “Midnight Rider” through a funky, improvisational lens; and turning Bel Biv Divoe’s “Poison” from a 90s hip-hop classic into a modern day organ trio standard.

Each member of DTF shines in the songwriting and musicality throughout ‘Another Side of the Sound.’ “Watch This” showcases Teitel’s crisp guitar and expert songwriting, while “Compassion” slows down with an unmistakably Deitch-driven rhythm layered with heavy reverb and lots of space. “Shama” features the organ in a way that’s reminiscent of Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew”, but layered with cool textures and a catchy melody to create the ballad of the album. The album concludes with the smooth and catchy “Wait Up”, which puts the capstone on what should be an instant classic for lovers of underground jazz.

Fribush, known for his recent jazz collaborations with Charlie Hunter and Butcher Brown, says ‘Another Side of the Sound’ stands out among jazz organ trio projects. “We made this record with a real love of that nostalgic sound, but a desire to push the limits. It’s undeniably nasty and puts our stamp on what an organ trio can be.”

‘Another Side of the Sound’ was engineered by Josh Fairman (Sunsquabi) and mixed by GRAMMY-winner Mack Major in New Orleans. In 2025, DTF made its live debut as a trio during the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, with a sold-out show at the historic Maple Leaf. Stay tuned for more concert dates on the horizon.