Water Seed Gives Audiences a Pulse-Pounding Performance at The Bitter End

Water Seed put on a funkadelic set at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

There are few bands that are able to lift you from your seat, get your ass dancing and shake you to the core. This month, at The Bitter End, we came across a seductively ferocious, untamed and blistering hot act that had the entire venue moving their hips – forcing us to fall victim to the funkalicious grooves and electrifying vocals of this incredible New Orleans based band.

Water Seed live at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Water Seed is soulfully wicked, progressively complex and dynamically elegant. The indie-band’s indulging appetite for keen musicianship, passionate lyrics and uncontainable energy illustrate Water Seed’s versatility that spans the sounds of funk, jazz, gospel and soul. Deeply rooted in rhythm and classical music, Water Seed seeks to rekindle a unique flame in independent music that relishes on originality and creativity.

J Sharp on the keys live at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Originated by multi-instrumentalist Lou Hill, Water Seed delivered a high-energy performance equipped with affable melodies and an innovating sound that's conquered the hearts of audiences nationwide. Water Seed stunned us all that evening with empowering vocals, gorgeously soothing beats and romanticizing keys – coupled with a funk-infused style that had the West Village pumping.

Lou Hill was an incredible force on drums and played a perfect host for the packed out Bitter End crowd. We were hooked by Hill’s groovy rhythms and agile beats, providing a volcanic addition to Water Seed’s dominating showcase. His drum play was gripping, ill and explosive. Thoughtfully tooled with personality and charisma, Hill’s soulful and jazzy performance had us on our feet the entire set.

Lou Hill getting down on the drums at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Jentleman Sharp’s (J Sharp) fantastic play on the keys offered a tendered and sophisticated sound that resonated from the keyboardist’s savvy and polished compositions. His performance was breathtaking – poised, charismatic and lean. His play levitated us from our seats, calling us to focus on him and the band as a whole. His acute sense of strategic music arrangements offered more depth and complexity to Water Seed’s already multifaceted sound.

Shaleyah on vocals at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Shaleyah and Berkley the Artist sing away at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Lead singers, Shaleyah and Berkley the Artist, were outstanding throughout the evening. Their soulful and gospel-esque vocalists carried the room towards the stage and never let us go. They elicited powerful melodies and tantalizing hymns that paired perfectly with the bands Nawlins party funk and choir praising style. Along with an array of orchestral-trained instrumentalists and renowned flutist, Chinese, Shaleyah and Berkley conquered the legendary Bitter End with a party-like atmosphere that collectively struck our desires of great music and dance.

Chinese on flute at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

Water Seed is not only one of the biggest emerging artists coming out of the Big Easy – they’re a movement – a transforming marathon that graciously offers a unique infused look at how contemporary funk, jazz and soul should work together. Stemming from the sounds of both new and old, this high-energy, electrifying future-funk coalition has funked the hell out of some of the biggest joints in the country. Along with a relentless advocacy for empowering rhythms, soulful melodies, church wailing vocals and just straight up funkadelic rifts, Water Seed is a game changer in the independent music scene.

Berkley the Artist and Chinese live at The Bitter End. Photo courtesy of Kevin Vallejos.

This is a must watch for anyone who wishes to experience an electrified show filled with blood-pumping music and an impressive live act. Get funked up with this revered all-star cast today and catch them in a city near you.

Water Seed

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The Zombies Reclaim their Status Amongst The Pillars of Rock & Roll In NYC

Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone - founding members of legendary British invasion band the Zombies - played an impressive set at Rough Trade NYC last month in front of a packed-house filled with generations of inspired fans. Argent and Blunstone showcased an incredible set that was indicative of the Zombies harmonious sound and psychedelic expressions. Their performance highlighted how the band has reclaimed their relevancy in the rock & roll genre; while also making a substantial impact on both older and younger audiences bridging the gap between classic and modern rock.

As with most British Invasion bands that spread through the airwaves throughout the early to mid-1960s, the Zombies began touring the United States in 1964 behind their hit single, “She’s Not There,” which peaked to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. the Zombies performed at various venues across the U.S. while on tour and made their first U.S. television appearance in 1965. Their subsequent hit single, “Tell Her No” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in March of 1965 and had become one of their biggest U.S. releases.

After signing with CBS Records from Decca Music Group, the Zombies released their classic studio album, Odessey and Oracle, in 1968. Over the past several decades, the album has since received international acclaim as one of the staples of 1960s expressionism with the Zombies hit song, “Time of The Season,” “This Will Be Our Year” and “Care of Cell 44.”

On that Thursday evening in Brooklyn, we were honored to witness Argent and Blunstone perform some of the Zombies' hit songs that triumphed during their 1960's debut. With open arms, Blunstone’s entrancing voice embraced audiences as they were drawn closer to the intriguing harmonies and melancholy hooks. The duo opened the show with the charming “Tell Her No” followed by the Zombies' debut hit “She’s Not There.” We stood together with the crowd and sang along with Blunstone’s cadent voice, echoing graciously across the stage. He helped the crowd follow his lead, providing comfort for both those reviving their youth and for the new generation reaffirming their appreciation for the Zombies' pioneering sound.

We were ultimately blown away when the Zombies performed their hit song, “Time of The Season,” when the crowd, no matter the generation, sung along to the classic record. Blunstone and Argent’s breezy acapella smoothed our ears with the songs expressive harmonies and relaxed melodies that were able to make us feel as one. They also performed songs from Still Got That Hunger, which provided audiences with a fresh taste of the Zombies latest works such as, “Moving On” and “Edge of the Rainbow,” that exemplified the band’s historic versatility and dynamic reach within their music.

Our experience of the Zombies performance that evening was intangible. The ability to witness these two pioneers of rock & roll brought upon a rare treat that reinforced our appreciation for musicians from that classic area and illustrated how powerful their impact has been and will be on current and future musicians. Although their music careers have had twists and turns – make no mistake – the Zombies are here to stay. As one of many 60’s and 70’s rock bands re-defining their legendary status through new albums and sold-out tours around the world, the Zombies have come off the bench and into the starting line-up.

Their new album is filled with vividly expressive lyrics, powerful instrumental talent, and a puff of smoky vocals that's rare to find these days. The Zombies showcased those talents effortlessly at Rough Trade, and most importantly, they did so by collectively bringing back the classic hits that continue to draw appreciation from fans and musicians across the world. They have continued their musical journey that aims to break barriers and surpass preconceived notions of rock: we couldn't be any more thrilled to hop along for the ride.

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