December 3, 2018. New Jersey native and Temple University graduate Chris Stevens has been in the music business since he was a teenager. He has worked with acclaimed artists, and pooled his experience, connections and love for jazz to bring us The Future Is Bright, a hard-hitting musical experience.
Stevens formed Vertical Current in 2009, and released three albums before working on this Album of the Week. The Future Is Bright boasts guest appearances from many notable musicians. Chris’ wife, Shaylah, contributes her vocal stylings to “Sunny/T.F.I.B,” and joins vocalist Eric Roberson on the funky vibes “Open.”
Flutist Katisse Buckingham joins the group on the trance-inducing tune “Trocodile,” and instrumentalists Simon Martinez, San Greenfield and Brandon Young join vertical Current on different tracks throughout the record. The core band already has a large and unique sound due to the electrified rhythm section and ample horns, and the guest artists just add to the diversity of the music.
Collectively, the band members have become a go-to backing band to traveling artists, and have performed with greats like Jill Scott, Common, Tye Tribbett, John Legend, and many others. The sound of this album reflects the versatility and professionalism of each of the members, as well as their love for jazz and making it fun of the listener.
Vertical Current is one of the groups that WRTI is featuring on VuHaus! Learn more about our VuHaus launch here.