Long admired for its rollicking jazz-funk grooves and sweaty solos, Soulive originated in late-'90s New England — first as a jam-band rhythm section (with the likes of Moon Boot Lover and Greyboy Allstars) and then as an unlikely hip-hop act. But in recent years, Soulive has settled smartly into more traditional organ-driven jazz. Click the link above to hear the group perform live in concert from WXPN and the TLA in Philadelphia.
During a stint with the legendary Blue Note label, Soulive attracted fervent devotees through collaborations with legendary James Brown trombonist Fred Wesley, guest vocalists Dave Matthews and Amel Larrieux, rappers Talib Kweli and Black Thought, and a broad assortment of remixers. Since leaving Blue Note in 2005 — and hooking up with a revitalized Stax label — Soulive has continued to hone its funky, horn-infused jazz sound. Its new album, Up Here, is due out next month.
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