Last night was the final evening of Victoria’s annual JazzFest.  As a way of thanking its volunteers, the Jazz Society allowed anyone with a volunteer badge into the festival’s final show, which featured a group I had never heard of before – Staten Island’s Budos Band.

Thanks to the magic of Google, I quickly learned what Budos Band is all about.  Signed to Daptone Records – home of Sharone Jones & The Dap-Kings – the band describes their sound as “Afro Soul,” a mix of Ethiopian music, soul, and “a little bit of sweet 60’s stuff.”  Although I couldn’t detect any Ethiopian influence from the tracks on their Myspace (although, to be honest, besides Ethiopiques I’m a complete novice when it comes to Ethiopian music), I was impressed by their ability to channel the deep, classic vibes of early ’70s pre-disco funk.

And, if you’re a Wale fan, you’ll be happy to know that the band played on his Mixtape About Nothing.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it to their show.  I’m sure it was damn good though.  For more proof, check out two tracks from their 2007 album II.

Budos Band – Chicago Falcon (II, 2007)

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Budos Band – Budos Rising (II, 2007)

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