BUDOS BAND

Biography

The Budos Band is an instrumental ensemble formed in Staten Island, New York, in 2005, known for their unique fusion of Afrobeat, jazz funk, soul, and retro rock influences. The group originated from a core of musicians who met as youths in an after-school jazz ensemble at the Richmond Ave. Community Center. Their shared passion for soul and Afrobeat led them to late-night Manhattan gigs, where they absorbed the sounds of acts like Antibalas and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. After leaving the Community Center to pursue their own musical direction, they evolved from Los Barbudos to The Budos Band, recruiting additional horn players from Brooklyn and solidifying their lineup.

Signed to Daptone Records after impressing an A&R representative with their distinctive sound, The Budos Band released their self-titled debut in 2005, followed by a series of albums that showcased their evolving style. Their music, described as 'doom rock Afro-soul' and 'Afro-soul inspired by Ethiopian music,' incorporates elements from 1970s jazz, funk, Afrobeat, hard rock, and proto-metal. Over two decades, they have built a reputation for thunderous, cinematic instrumentals and raucous live performances across four continents. The band's legacy is marked by their ability to blend diverse genres while maintaining a cohesive and instantly recognizable sound.

Fun Facts

• The band's name evolved from 'Los Barbudos' (Spanish for 'the bearded ones') to 'The Budos Band' after one member shaved his beard.
• Their sound has been described as if 'Quentin Tarantino was the music supervisor for a Bond film.'
• The Budos Band's debut album was recorded in just three nights after being signed on the spot by Daptone Records.
• Guitarist Thomas Brenneck co-founded Diamond West Records with baritone saxophonist Jared Tankel, marking a new chapter for the band after their Daptone years.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Martín Perna - Hosted the formative jam session where The Budos Band originated; founder of Antibalas, a key influence. (Jam sessions at The Five Spot) [early 2000s]
• Fela Kuti - Major stylistic influence through Afrobeat rhythms and arrangements. (General influence, no direct collaboration) [1970s-present (influence)]
• James Brown - Inspired the band's soul and funk grooves. (General influence, no direct collaboration) [1960s-present (influence)]

Key Collaborators

• Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings - Labelmates on Daptone Records; performed together and shared musicians. (Live performances, Daptone Records projects) [2005-2017]
• Charles Bradley - Backed him on the acclaimed track 'Changes' and other Daptone projects. ('Changes' (2016)) [2010s]
• Mark Ronson - Collaborated with guitarist/producer Thomas Brenneck, who worked as a producer and writer for Ronson. (Studio collaborations (outside Budos Band)) [2010s-2020s]

Artists Influenced

• Menahan Street Band - Shared members and cross-pollination of Daptone's retro-soul sound. (Collaborative Daptone releases) [2007-present]
• Modern instrumental funk and soul bands - Inspired a new wave of instrumental Afro-soul and funk groups in the US and abroad. (General influence on genre) [2010s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Changes (Changes)
2. T.I.B.W.F. (The Budos Band)
3. Up From the South (The Budos Band)
4. Night Raid (VII)
5. Ghost Walk (The Budos Band)
6. Chicago Falcon (The Budos Band II)
7. Thrice Crowned (VII)
8. Aynotchesh Yererfu (The Budos Band)
9. Overlander
10. Gun Metal Grey (Long in the Tooth)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia