DC Meets Richmond Under the Subway!

Jouwala Collective:

United in the heart of Richmond, Virginia in 2015, Jouwala Collective blends Gnawa music, traditional African and spiritual songs characterized by trance inducing chants and rhythms, with modern influences of funk, jam, jazz, rock, soul, reggae, blues, chaabi and electronic. Erie synth notes create a soft background over which are laid tribal tones of instruments from a world away resulting in an atmosphere of spiritual healing. Incredibly fast, dynamic drum rhythms keep your feet moving while the overall sound holds you in a dreamlike trance. Electric guitars and rock themes interweave so that the mood, and the room, can be transformed immediately and without warning. Set to release their debut album in early 2016, Jouwala Collective is a unique musical force soon to be reckoned with.

http://www.facebook.com/JouwalaCollective

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J08Rttp7Dsk

Black Masala:

Can you hear that? Can you feel it? It’s the sound of Washington, DC’s eclectic high energy brass band Black Masala. Formed in 2012, the band creates an irresistible dance groove packed with funk, gypsy punk, and soul. Black Masala has made a big impact as one of the most exciting live acts in the region and is the winner of four Washington, DC Area Music Awards (“WAMMIES”), including ‘Best New Artist’ and ‘Best World Music Album.’

In just three short years, Black Masala has released its debut album, multiple remixes, live recordings, and its follow up second album, “I Love You Madly” which came out October 30th. The new album showcases the band’s variety of influences and moods, ranging from Bhangra and bounce to New Orleans funk and Balkan brass. This sound was forged on the road, playing countless shows up and down the East Coast to enthusiastic crowds. Black Masala is part of a new generation of go anywhere brass bands, and when they take the stage, their infectious grooves result in dance party that leaves smiling concert goers eager for the next song.

“Black Masala is a D.C. outfit that has found success riding off of its own inventiveness. Experimenting with a flirtatious combination of gypsy punkiness and brass, the band can expertly churn an audience of awkward head-bobbers into a livened stew of aspirant dancers." – WRGW Music Blog