The gang is going extra big for Juneteenth: Erykah Badu’s classic double lp Mama’s Gun + some very special opening guests!
Diaspora Radio: Mama’s Gun
w/ special guest openers Kuf Knotz, Christine Elise, & Adrienne Mack-Davis
Thurs 6/19
7pm doors/7:30pm show
All Ages | $20
Since the arrival of Erykah Badu onto the neo-soul scene back in 1997 with Baduizm, commercial music stood up and took notice with an onslaught of similar artists reaching comparable peaks of mainstream success. After taking some time off for introspection and to raise her son, Badu returned with Mama’s Gun, which is a turning point for her in many ways. Gone are the cryptic “Baduizms” that glossed all over her first release, replaced with a more honestly raw Badu singing directly from her heart rather than her head. Sonically, Badu wades out into adventurous territories as well. From the Jimi Hendrix-inspired opening number to the closing ten-minute song suite, she develops fresh aspects of her sound, employing artists such as legendary jazz vibraphonist Roy Ayers, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, Stephen Marley, and Roots drummer ?uestlove; she sought after producer Jay Dee as well. The results are consistently tasteful, which only helps to prove once again that Badu is miles ahead of the rest.
Drums-Brian Waterhouse
Vocals-Rayel
Vocals-Jennifer Rachele
Vocals-Shaina Schwartz
Vocals-Kelsey Wilson
Bass-Nick Phaneuf
Keys/Vox-Andrew Strout
Trombone-Michael Sabin
Trumpet-Geraldo Marshall
Guitar/Vocals-Stu Dias
Saxophone-Nick Mainella
Küf Knotz (Producer/MC) and Christine Elise (Harpist/Vocalist) have brought their unique blend of hip-hop, soul and classical traditions to various communities. The unlikely pair connected and built a similar bond to creating positive, forward thinking music fusing boom bap era and lo-fi inspired beats supported by the harp. Their performance takes you on an era fusing, genre bending journey. And, you can dance to it. The duo has also been featured on NPR Music & Sugar Shack Sessions.