The members of Hard Proof (or Hardproof Afrobeat, depending on who you ask) carry plenty of pedigree. The hardproof horn section of Jason Frey, Derek Phelps, and Joe Woullard perform alongside the ever-popular Black Joe Lewis. Drum genius Stephen Bidwell shows his versatility performing in various jazz combos around town and in the post-rock outfit The Calm Blue Sea.
Hard Proof is the bands debut full length, a righteous mix of Nigerian funk, Ghanaian psych rock, and a nod or two to stateside contemporaries like Anitbalas and fellow Austinites Brownout.
Sharing two tracks today: "Bailiwick" and "No Consideration." Download and enjoy. Austin residents: celebrate the release of Hard Proof with the band next Friday at The Ghost Room. Kalu James and Businessmen DJs also perform.
Nice review James. I agree, the band is talented and worth going to see. As a longtime friend and fan of many of the band members, I've written extensively about Hard Proof. My latest post is below:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.examiner.com/concerts-in-austin/live-music-preview-birthday-felabration-w-hard-proof-afrobeat-members-friday
Cheers ~Greg