November 2007

This article was originally published in the Nashville Scene.

CHICAGO AFROBEAT The most obvious question with this Fela Kuti-inspired ensemble is: How are they different from fellow Afrobeat torchbearers Antibalas? Chicago Afrobeat proves Antibalas’ claim that Afrobeat is a genre unto itself that can be approached in myriad ways. Chicago Afrobeat distinguish themselves on a number of levels—seeing them on the same bill as Antibalas would even work—and highlight different (less arty) aspects of Kuti’s sound. They strip the music down to its essential components while retaining a grittiness that eludes Antibalas. The rhythms are snakier, the grooves funkier and the horn work edgier, creating a hypnotic space in which to get carried away—you might even get lost in dance, as well you should. 9 p.m. at Mercy Lounge; Saturday, 29th at Wall Street —SABY REYES-KULKARNI

This article originally appeared on Cut/Paste/Repeat.

My editor contacted me at the last minute to write a little blurbish story about the Chicago Afrobeat Project, who is currently maintaining a once-monthly residency at the DeKalb club Otto’s.

I interviewed the group’s drummer, Marshall Greenhouse, which was fun. He gave me the scoop on how the band manages (or mismanages) its budget, and the band’s hopes for the future. For the most part I left these juicy details out of the article.

He also said they are very much in need of a trombone player, so, if you are one or know one, give ’em a call or go to the show tonight and sit in.

This article originally appeared in the Northern Star Online.

Chicago Afrobeat Project comes to DeKalb tonight hoping to fill Otto’s Niteclub with infectiously kinetic dance music and – hopefully – lots of college kids.

“We’re definitely expecting a way better turn out than the last two shows,” said drummer Marshall Greenhouse.

The show continues the group’s “First Beat Wednesdays” series at Otto’s, where they will play on the first Wednesday of every month. The group recently released a new record entitled “(A) Move to Silent Unrest,” and maintains a consistently packed performing schedule, playing scores of Chicago-area shows while also touring throughout the rest of the country.

Though the first two months of the series yielded smaller-than-ideal crowds, Greenhouse has high hopes for the band’s monthly trips to DeKalb.

“We know the people will be there and eventually it will work out,” Greenhouse said. “At shows with college students, the crowd tends to be drinking more, which results in more dancing.”

Afrobeat is a style of music developed largely by Nigerian multi-instrumentalist Fela Kuti in the ‘60s. It fuses elements of American funk and jazz with traditional African music.

“It’s dance music, and whether you know about music or not, you want to get up and dance,” Greenhouse said.