Jun 2, 2010

Underground System Afrobeat



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Leading a new charge in Brooklyn's burgeoning Afrobeat revival, Underground System is here to get you up onto your feet and into the groove in a serious way. Raw, uncut, 100% Afro-funk throwdown.... ain't no 'bout a doubt it. The brainchild of guitarist Peter Matson, who fell in love with the music and story of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti while playing in an ensemble directed by members of the seminal Afrobeat group Antibalas, Underground System aims to both preserve and progress the amazing sounds that were eminating from Nigeria and the rest of West Africa in the 70's (with plenty of stateside funk, jazz, and roots influences to boot). Members of Underground System also respect the social context, spirit, and performative aspect behind the origins of Afrobeat. In doing so we bring an energetic and heartfelt approach to our own performance, always with complete emphasis on the underlying groove.

There are no degrees of separation between Underground System and some of the best Afrobeat, funk, jazz, and hip-hop players in the world. Members of Underground System have consistently shared the stage, toured, and/or recorded with heavyweight players such as- Seun Kuti, Mos Def, Lauryn Hill, Amayo's Fu-Arkist-Ra, members of Antibalas, Jojo Kuo (Fela Kuti and Egypt 80), Charlie Hunter, Maceo Parker, and Billy Martin (Medeski, Martin & Wood) to name a few.

Underground System is set to record an original EP at Dunham Studios in Williamsburg, BK this summer. Engineered by Thommas Brenneck (Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Budos Band) it will surely capture all the gritty sound and vibe of this brand new powerhouse ensemble. Lookout for its release in the coming months!

A few songs can be heard here!

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