A glimpse of artist’s career
I In the year 2018, the Michigan based music producer, guitarist, and songwriter, Darrin James decided to move away from the usual blues and roots-rock sounds of his Darrin James Band albums. and step into an improvisational, instrumental, and funky project. Darrin James a.k.a Disaster Relief, looks out for an escape from all the negative vibes in the world through their upbeats and shaking music that draws inspiration from New Orleans funk, Memphis soul, Motown, Afrobeat and increasingly more flavours from all around the globe.
The coordinated band released their eponymous debut album in 2018 that received praise for its “greasy…open yet poignant funk jams and feel good ethos” (Paul Naser, Allaboutjazz). The stellar musicianship displayed by the group’s playing alternates between tightly composed melodies, intense solo sections, complex syncopated rhythms. This combination of group interplay and extended soloing contributed to the band’s reputation for epic live shows that helped to become energetic dance parties.
Into their second full length album, they expand their sonic palette to include even more “World” music influences such as the second song, Kalamatianós for Alexander. It was composed the popular Greek wedding dance rhythm and reflects James’ own Greek family heritage. The charm and eclecticism continue throughout, with songs like Beach Song, which points towards Afro-Carribean influences and Weekend Čoček, which turns the classic Balkan dance into a psychedelic, retro surf-rock jam.
Disaster Relief has recently released a two songs single “Queen of the Blues,” which is in collaboration with Thornetta Davis, Detroit’s and bridges the funkier sounds of Detroit icon’s characteristic, bluesy soul.
With two new releases already in 2021, Disaster Relief is definitely “Back into It” and doing their best to bring positive energy and danceable grooves to the world.
About Disaster Relief’s newly released album of 2021
Disaster Relief’s new album, “Back Into It” is their second full length album and continues their effort to create timeless, joyful and funky music that can serve as an escape from negative vibes surrounding us. The new album expands their eclectic, horn-driven palette to include more influences from around the globe, where old school funk and wah-wah guitars can lead to a Greek wedding dance and the blasting horns, all with a grit and groove that keeps the dance party going.
Stream or download “Back At It” via Bandcamp.
Stream “Back At It” on Spotify.
Album’s bio –
Artist Name: Disaster Relief
- Location: Detroit, MI
- Release Title: Back Into It
- Release Date:7/27/21
- Label: Ravine Records
Musician Names/Instruments:
- Brennan Andes Is playing Bass
- Rob Avsharian plays the Drums
- Dan Bennett will be seen on Alto and Bari Sax
- Find Josef Deas playing Organ, Electric Piano, Moog Synth
- Tim Haldeman escaping miraculously on Tenor Sax
- Ross Huff on Trumpet
- Darrin James stringing Guitar and Organ
- Randall Moore can be seen on Percussion
- Producer Name(s): Darrin James
- Similar/RIYL: Budos Band, Antibalas, Galactic, the Meters
- Genre(s): Jazz-Funk, Acid Jazz, World, Soul
Tracklist:
- Back into it
- Kalamatianós for Alexander
- Beach Song
- Weekend Čoček
- Ostinato Eleven
- What Day Is It?
A Quote of appreciation from Press for Disaster Relief:
Proof of the pudding-
- Find them here: www.disasterreliefmusic.com
- Youtube Channel: youtube.com/darrinjamesband
