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WRTI's NPR Live Sessions Video of the Week: Jonathan Scales Fourchestra

Sandlin Gaither
Steel pannist and composer Jonathan Scales

January 13, 2020. Jonathan Scales Fourchestra sessions—filmed as part of the noncomMUSIC Alliance's debut of the 2019 Public Radio Music Sumit—showcase the band’s impressive and unexpected instrumental charms that weave elements of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, Latin, fusion, and more.

Experience Jonathan Scales Fourchestra for yourself, right here!

Jonathan's inventive play of the steel drums along with his band’s dazzling takes on drum and bass is a percussive lover’s dream come true. Bassist E'lon JD maintains a limitless bottom that gives drummer Maison Guidry room to flex a killer right foot and popping drumsticks.

Not only is Fourchestra a treat to listen to, but a delight to watch as each musician’s face reflects the joy they take in their art.

Jonathan Scales Fourchestra performs on Saturday, January 18th at 7:30 and 10 PM at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts as part of the 2020 Jazz Cultural Voices Concert Series.

And, viewers of these Live Sessions also bear witness to music history in the making as the Fourchestra’s incredible performance that evening led to a recent filming of a Tiny Desk concert at NPR that will be available later this year.

"Gifted the opportunity to curate a night of music at Philadelphia’s wonderful SOUTH Jazz Kitchen during noncomMUSIC Alliance's debut of the 2019 Public Radio Music Sumit, WRTI wanted to provide something special for an audience that consisted of radio professionals from all across the nation," says WRTI Jazz Host/Live Sessions Executive Producer J. Michael Harrison.

"Showcasing the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra would go a long way to accomplishing that goal. We feel fortunate to share with you the bright moments experienced during his set at SOUTH and sincerely hope that you enjoy these videos from his performance."

Watch more of WRTI's Live Session videos here.

Bobbi I. Booker is an award-winning multimedia journalist and radio personality whose velvety voice has been a mainstay in the Delaware Valley for over two decades. She can be heard on Spirit Soul Music, Sundays from 6 to 9 a.m., and Jazz Through the Night, weeknights from 12 midnight to 6 a.m.