When you think of Richmond jazz in 2017, Butcher Brown is one of the first names that springs to mind. The group has been making moves and churning out funky grooves in the scene since 2012 and on Nov. 17, the quintet is set to release their latest material, Live at Vagabond, a live performance album via Gearbox Records.
The six-track album showcases some of their performances at local music venue Vagabond and prior to its release later this month, the boys have been dropping a few singles here and there to build excitement around their latest effort including the recent “Lysol”.
RVA Mag was fortunate to premiere Butcher Brown’s latest single, “Cairo”, and it is a six-minute prelude to what the album will offer: toe-tapping, finger-snapping, groovy bass lines.
“Cairo” is a fun track driven by synths and a wicked trumpet. It swells with crescendos and sforzando concussive beats from the drums. And yet, what I love the most is the cohesion behind the quintet’s performance here. Anything with psychedelic synths like what’s present in “Cairo” instantly has me engaged. Honestly, Butcher Brown tracks have a little for every music taste.
Composed of Devonne Harris (keys), Andrew Randazzo (bass), Corey Fonville (drums), Morgan Burrs (guitar), and Marcus Tenney (saxophone/trumpet), the group harkens the progressive jazz bands of the 60s and 70s and according to Randazzo, Live at Vagabond gives listeners a chance to hear their true sound captured if they haven’t had the opportunity already.
“We wanted a live record so our fans could hear us in the purest form, and to showcase the raw energy that occurs at a live Butcher Brown show. This record is our celebration of that development and energy in our favorite hometown venue, Vagabond,” he said.
Butcher Brown will return to Vagabond on Fri. Dec. 15 for the Live at Vagabond album release show.
Top Photo Credit: Joey Wharton Photography
