kaluandtheelectricjoint.com

Born in Nigeria, Kalu relocated to Austin, Texas, where he put together a stellar ensemble of players who graciously fuel and follow his deep well of eclectic influences. The group’s new record, Time Undone is a sonic masterpiece of original tunes with a positive message and soul-stirring beats. The arrangements are masterfully crafted allowing the songs to breathe and flow. From the first note, these musicians show that they’re prepared to carry modern music forward while still paying tribute to the inspirations of their past. Their music invokes a wide range of emotions while influencing with an uplifting message through masterful playing. Opening for acts like George Clinton & The Parliament Funkadelic, Vieux Farka Toure, Allen Stone, Keller Williams amongst many others, this band comes to play and when they do, the dance floor never stays empty.

Full bio:

Austin, Texas, has long been a breeding ground for fantastic musicians. Not only has the town birthed some of the best players one could ever hope to hear, it also attracts peerless musicians from all over the world. Kalu and the Electric Joint not only live up to Austin’s caliber of playing, they infuse it with worldly rhythms that give their music a sound all their own.

This musical chemistry comes from the bond forged by frontman Kalu James, who emigrated from Nigeria at age 18 to claim Austin as his new home, and guitarist Jonathan “JT” Holt, who adds a touch of American soul to Kalu’s West African heritage. Kalu and JT connected through the hustle of the Austin music scene, writing songs together and discovering immediately that the talents of each complemented the other. JT is a master song craftsman, and he also can rip a mean solo. He’s just as comfortable holding down the groove with his magnificent chording and rhythm as he is busting out a blistering guitar lead. The musicians honed their vision during a weekly residency at Austin’s Continental Club Gallery that was initially intended to last only a month but eventually stretched to three years. Drummer & Percussionist, John Speice, who had a longstanding Austin connection with JT also had spent his life mastering rhythms Kalu had grown up with, making him a perfect fit for the group. Opening for acts like George Clinton & The Parliament Funkadelic, Vieux Farka Toure, Allen Stone, Keller Williams amongst many others, this band comes to play and when they do, the dance floor never stays empty.

Time Undone, Kalu and the Electric Joint’s forthcoming album, testifies to the band’s talent and mission with tight arrangements, stunning vocals and a deep well of influences. Time Undone is sonically woven with the low end theory of hip hop, yet it has the drive of heavy-hitting rock and roll and futuristic psychedelia. The resulting boogie-down blend of ethno-funk and neo-soul packs dance floors and tantalizes eardrums. Kalu and JT wrote the album’s songs, perfecting them during their nights at the Continental Club Gallery. The group recorded the album with producer Brett Orrison, known for his work with The Black Angels and Widespread Panic, over a year’s time at Nest Recording in Driftwood, Texas. The album features guest appearances by members of Widespread Panic, The War on Drugs, The Sword and Grupo Fantasma.

The ensemble’s sound palette integrates masterful songwriting and electrifying performances. With deep lyrics, ethereal arrangements, youthful exuberance and a positive message, Kalu and the Electric Joint make a lasting impression on everyone who hears them.

Starting with the sounds of his homeland and a lifelong passion for the unorthodox approach, Kalu blazes an inclusive trail for himself that could not be more genuine. He embraces not only the creative attitude of his adopted hometown but also the traditions of his past. Remaining deeply in tune with the traditions of his upbringing, he balances his responsibilities to his family in Nigeria while pursuing his calling in the US. Having recently become an American citizen, he’s ready to add to this country’s greatest export — its music.

Whether seeing Kalu and the Electric Joint throw it down in the clubs of Austin’s bustling South Congress scene or hearing the music of Time Undone for the first time, it’s blatantly obvious that this music evokes a wide range of emotions. This band delivers a positive message in turbulent times, uplifting their listeners and compelling them to get up and dance. With amazing vocals, beautiful arrangements and a funky modern beat, Time Undone is sure to be a modern classic.