The Budos Band

Biography

The Budos Band is an instrumental ensemble from Staten Island, New York, formed in 2005. The group originated from a core of musicians who met as youths in an after-school jazz ensemble at the Richmond Ave. Community Center, later bonding over a shared passion for soul music and late-night excursions to Manhattan clubs to hear acts like Antibalas and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings[2]. Their early sound was shaped by these experiences and by their fascination with East African music, particularly the 'Ethiopique' anthology, which led them to blend Afrobeat, soul, funk, and psychedelic influences into a unique style described as "doom rock Afro-soul" and "70's Psychedelic Instrumental Music"[1][3].

The band was initially known as Los Barbudos (Spanish for "the bearded ones") before adopting the name The Budos Band in 2005[2][3]. After impressing Daptone Records with their distinctive sound, they were signed and quickly recorded their debut album. Over the years, their lineup has included David Guy, Andrew Greene, Cochemea Gastelum, Jared Tankel, Dame Rodriguez, Vincent Balestrino, Thomas Brenneck, Robert Lombardo, Mike Deller, Daniel Foder, Brian Profilio, and John Carbonella Jr.[1]. The Budos Band has released seven studio albums, each evolving their sound by incorporating elements from jazz, funk, Afrobeat, hard rock, and proto-metal. Their raucous live shows and studio work have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted following[1][5].

Throughout their career, The Budos Band has been closely associated with the Daptone label and its roster, frequently collaborating with artists like Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley. Their legacy is marked by their role in the New York soul revival scene, their innovative fusion of genres, and their influence on contemporary instrumental music. Critics have praised them for bringing a "familiar vibe while standing defiantly unique," with their music often described as cinematic and menacing, yet deeply rooted in the traditions of Afro-soul and funk[1][3].

Fun Facts

• The Budos Band's original name was Los Barbudos, but they changed it after realizing it was also the name of Fidel Castro's baseball team[3].
• Their music has been described as 'sounding as if Quentin Tarantino was the music supervisor for a Bond film'[1].
• The band was signed to Daptone Records after playing for an A&R representative and recording their debut album in just three nights[2].
• Budos Band's members often backed other Daptone artists, contributing to the soul revival movement in New York[1][3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Martín Perna - Host of the formative jam session at The Five Spot, Brooklyn, and founder of Antibalas, which inspired Budos Band's Afrobeat direction. (Antibalas projects) [Early 2000s]
• Fela Kuti - Stylistic inspiration for Afrobeat elements and instrumental arrangements. (General influence, no direct collaboration) [Ongoing]
• James Brown - Influence on rhythm and soul elements, especially through the Ethiopian music anthology 'Ethiopique'. (General influence) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Sharon Jones - Frequent collaborator and labelmate at Daptone; Budos Band members contributed songwriting and instrumentation. (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings albums) [2005–2016]
• Charles Bradley - Budos Band members backed Bradley on recordings and live performances. ("Changes" and other Charles Bradley projects) [2010s]
• Bosco Mann (Gabe Roth) - Producer, Daptone founder, and guest musician on Budos Band debut. (The Budos Band (2005)) [2005]
• Neal Sugarman - Guest musician on debut album, Daptone co-founder. (The Budos Band (2005)) [2005]

Artists Influenced

• Menahan Street Band - Co-founded by Budos Band members, continuing the instrumental soul tradition. (Menahan Street Band albums) [2007–present]
• Holy Hive - Collaborative projects and shared members, influenced by Budos Band's approach to soul and funk. (Holy Hive albums) [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