Water Seed Marvels The Bitter End During The We Are Stars 2017 Tour

 

Water Seed continues their dominance as one of the premier funk/soul acts in the independent music scene. Their performance at The Bitter End resulted in a pumped-up-crowd standing ovation that marveled New York City through the bands innovative musicianship.

Hailing from New Orleans, Water Seed’s funkalistic performance was vocally breathtaking, soulfully beloved and instrumentally magnificent as the sounds of jazz, funk and early 60’s R&B flushed throughout the legendary NYC venue.

Water Seed kicked off the night with a little “Funktimus” while audiences danced away to their seats, feeling the vibe of Water Seed’s livid and extravagant sound filled with dynamic horns, immense string and rumbling percussion that ascended through rivetingly alluring vocals. The band’s impressively funktagious performance blew us away with a jammed out session bursting with big band arrangements and reverberating instrumentation.

Water Seed’s breezy Nawlins’ groove, “Work It Out,” was a delightfully smooth example of the band’s soulful and jazzy-esque sound that allowed audiences to give themselves away to the chilled early 60’s boardwalk rhythms. Water Seed’s refreshing jazz piece, “Duke’ish,” held electrically jazzy overtones, funky 70’s-esque vibes and profound artistry that merged beautifully among soothing keys and distinct basslines.

Nawlins’ finest then gave the crowd a little positivity under their song, “Brand New Day,” as Lou Hill led the charge with an “I feel good! - I feel great!” chant, guiding audiences through a full-on jazz-funk fest filled with a harmoniously spacious flute, seductively provocative keys and driven horns. Berkley The Artist and Shaleyah added another powerful vocal performance as Water Seed jammed out on stage in front of a packed crowd, offering a climactically exhilarating voice ushered with gospel-esque and funkadelic rhythms.

Water Seed’s memorable performances continue to be a testimony to the band’s innovative and progressive style that has dominated the indie music scene. Their album is rich with immense sound, charming melodies, funkalistic grooves and complex instrumentation. Their sound forces audiences on their feet – to dance, applaud and relish in the Water Seed experience.

The band’s vigorous energy, jazzy arrangements, along with genre binding musicianship, allows Water Seed to sustain their spine-tingling presence within a genre that continues to gain appeal in the industry.

Make sure to catch Water Seed live in a city near you and download/stream, “We Are Stars,” today! Tour dates and locations shown below.

 

Tour Dates

7/13. Seven. Santa Barbara, CA

7/18. Hotel Utah. San Francisco, CA

7/19. Crazy Horse. Nevada City, CA

7/20 through 7/22. Peppermill Casino. Reno, NV

7/23. Lagunitas. Petaluma, CA

7/25. Winston's. San Diego, CA

7/27. Pour House. Oceanside, CA

7/28. Hotel Cafe. Los Angeles, CA

 

Water Seed

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Raye Zaragoza Returns to NYC with a Gorgeous Performance at The Bitter End

 
Raye Zaragoza live at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza live at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza elicits the very best that songwriting and music have to offer. Her willingness to capture peoples hearts and strengthen their spirits illustrates why music can be so prolific in times where our humanity is most tested. With today’s political strife at the forefront, Raye's music has been able to instill passion, inspiration and awareness through the melodies and lyrics of her songs.

Raye’s performance at The Bitter End last Tuesday exemplifies her growth and versatility as an artist with impeccable vocals, empowering instrumentation and gorgeous storytelling that had us astonished.

Sitting back and drinking a few craft brews at our disposal, we witnessed Raye put on a sentimental show filled with songs from her first EP and upcoming singles off her new record, as she shined gracefully in front of her three-piece band she met at The Bitter End several years back.

Raye Zaragoza soothing the crowd at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza soothing the crowd at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye’s performance of “Heroine” was breathtaking – a pivotal display of lyricism with superb composition – truly impressive. Her performances to “Mulholland Drive” and “Driving to Standing Rock” were also a delight, as Raye wonderfully shined with her picturesque storytelling and harmonies garnished with tranquility.

Her bold activism and unapologetic reminders grabbed us firmly by the ear, listening and observing to the delicacies of her music. Her guitar play was angelic, riveting and inviting – a perfect companion to a masterful singer-songwriter filled with compassion and devote advocacy.

Raye Zaragoza on the strings at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza on the strings at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

A prolific writer and poet, Raye’s focus on awareness and sustainability was prevalent in her 2016 activist anthem of the year, “In The River,” which was written and recorded as a protest song in dedication to the great Standing Rock Sioux against The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) near the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.

Raye Zaragoza at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye’s performance of her harmonious record spoke volumes to us – a gentle acoustic hymn that kindly reminded us about sustaining our environment, hope and protecting what we love. The somber and emotional feel in the room hushed the crowd, as all were drawn to Raye’s devoted passions and embracive sounds echoing timelessly within our hearts.

Raye Zaragoza’s music has transcended the indie-folk music scene through her captivating storytelling, lyrical elegance and distinct instrumentation. A singer-songwriter that has pushed the boundaries of her work, Raye’s success as an independent music artist has propelled a grass roots following that seeks to uphold those beautifully poetic compositions.

Raye’s voice truly has the impact to change lives and we’re so grateful to be apart of that journey.

Raye Zaragoza on stage at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Raye Zaragoza on stage at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

 

Fans can pre-order new album on Pledge Music today by clicking on the link below. Fans will receive special perks and fan exclusives by pledging the album, as well as an “access pass” to exclusive videos and photos from the recording process!

Pledge Music

 

Make sure to follow, share and listen to Raye's music on her social below!

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Humankindition Offers a Breathtaking Performance During Exclusive Release Show at Club Bonafide

 
Humankindition at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Humankindition at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

The Fox and King paid witness to newly formed jazz electronic band, Humankindition, last Thursday as they put on a gorgeous performance at Club Bonafide during the exclusive release show of their new single “Daydreaming.”

In front of an intimate crowd at the legendary music venue, this euphorically dangerous live act displayed a level of musicianship that masterfully blended the sonic scopes of jazz, soul and electronic music together. We were fortunate enough to be one of the first to get our hands on Humankindition’s latest single from an exclusive download card handed out to all guest in attendance.

Samir Zarif (Saxophone) and James Quinlan (Bass). Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Samir Zarif (Saxophone) and James Quinlan (Bass). Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Blown away by the brilliance of their artistry, Humankindition’s rich compositions highlighted for us the quartet’s strategic music arrangements and genre-binding depth that garnered such a soothing, yet gritty performance. Lead by veteran saxophonist, Samir Zarif, Humankindition’s creativity provided a cloud of complex instrumentation that released a storm of jazzy-esque elements, conquering beats and mind-cleansing soul engulfed in musical euphoria. The band’s commanding, yet gentle touch, lifted us firmly from our seats and cradled us within a pacifying state of tranquility.

Samir Zarif at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Samir Zarif at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Samir’s skillset on the sax was phenomenal. Truly excellence at it’s finest. His instrumentation was innovative, breezy and dynamic. On their new single, “Daydreaming,” Samir illustrated the complexities of his musicianship through a gracious sound that whispered gently through our ears, shepherding progressive and soulful harmonies that allow this genre to feel refreshing.

His superior command of the sax on “Innocent Complex.” peppered a fresh entrée of alternative jazz paired masterfully with a decadent flow of urban soul and spiced-up beats. His fine play throughout the night formed an ocean of relaxation that kissed you on your ear with every wave, while forcing you to brace the elements with an explosive and captivating sound.

Tommy Hartman on drums. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Tommy Hartman on drums. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

James Quinlan on Bass. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

James Quinlan on Bass. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Bassist, James Quinlan, and drummer, Tommy Hartman, added a supportive touch to this incredibly awesome set with soul-tendering bass play and core-shredding beats. Quinlan’s funky, yet delicate compositions added a depth of complexity that forged a unique sound to this already progressive four-piece act. His soulful rhythms and hospitable musical range coupled beautifully with all members on stage, increasing the levels of their excellence.

Tommy’s petulant and voluptuous rhythms challenged the genres status quo with an intuitive urban sound that portrayed confidence and action. His sounds usurped the presences of hip-hop and urban funk that sustained the band’s character and utility.

Arcolis Sandoval on the keys. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Arcolis Sandoval on the keys. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

The latest addition to this versatile electronic jazz band, pianist Arcolis Sandoval, displayed on an awe-inspiring performance on the keys last week, providing a sentimental range of delicate harmonies, groovy rhythms and a luscious attitude. Sandoval’s command of the keys offered a sweet condiment to the bands hunger for creativity and thirst for originality. Her craft was smooth, gripping and seductively powerful – clearly an addition that allows this band to take the next generation of this genre to new heights.

Arcolis Sandoval & Samir Zarif live at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Arcolis Sandoval & Samir Zarif live at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Humankindition is defined through its passion for human connectedness and progressively meaningful music that illuminates origination and creativity. With deep influences that span across Radiohead, Thundercat and Bjork, Humankindition composes music that reflects the essentials of human existence – mesmerizing audiences in a trance of futility that frees the mind of past thought and future worries. Their music allows others to embrace their utility and acceptance – a soundtrack of songs fit for the present moment. Truly a series of work that all must experience.

Humankindition might just be one of the emerging sounds you might hear five to ten years from now in a genre grappling between old and new. The astronomical talent that exists within these four artist’s instrumentation is astounding and is a must listen to anyone that appreciates the aesthetic and sentimental pleasure the sound of jazz gives us.

Humankindition live at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

Humankindition live at Club Bonafide. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos

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