Way back in the day when I was in college, I would occasionally reunite with my high school friends and get all sorts of fucked up. Inevitably The Godfather of Soul, James Brown, would wind up on the stereo and a bunch of suburban kids would dance around with the white man’s overbite and just enough rhythm to think we were cool.
Fast forward many years (ed. note 20 to be exact) and I head into the Metro in Chicago to catch Okkervil River. As I grab my first beer, I’m drenched with a torrential downpour of soul and funk from a band called Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears. Definitely not the sound you would expect to hear from the opener at an Okkervil show. I only caught a song or two, but I remember thinking that the band sounded like a mix between James Brown and The Dirtbombs.
I never thought about tracking Black Joe Lewis down because most funk bands sound great live, but put out albums that sound like shit. I subconsciously put Black Joe Lewis in this category and I haven’t been that wrong since I ate a whole jalapeno pepper on a bet. Tell Em What Your Name Is is a stunning debut – a 31 minute mix of funk, soul and blues. The album will have you up out of your seat and dancing in no time and has become a big favorite at the Woodman family dance party.
The album begins with the aptly named “Gunpowder” that sets the tone for the rest of the album. A couple of tunes later we get 2009’s theme song, a James Brown inspired shout out in “I’m Broke.” And a bit later there’s “Get Yo Shit,” a brilliant tune and hilarious story in which Black Joe tries to weasel his way back into his woman’s house.
Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears are a guaranteed good time. Hopefully somewhere in my old suburban stomping grounds, there are a bunch of high school kids cranking up Black Joe and getting their groove on.
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Video: Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears – Sugarfoot
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i first heard these dudes about a year ago and can’t get enough. as much as i dig the country rock sound, i still get a groove on to the funky jams.
sidebar: i was at a bar in the south loop a month or so ago and there was a bluesy funk band playing. someone (unrelated) was there handed out free black joe lewis cds and posters. yes, i got both.
Actually going to see Black Joe tomorrow night opening for another seemingly unlikely act: Lucero. Can’t wait to dance.
This is such a great video!
just read that black joe lewis is headlining this year’s Old Town School of Folk Music Festival. it’s saturday, july 11.
i saw these guys open for okkervil in new orleans.. very unexpected, and they were great live.
Just saw them in Austin w/ Lucero. Nice post.
I was just at the recent show in Austin as well. They rocked the house down and every body was sweating their booty’s off. Joe is a good friend of mine and I am super proud and stoked for him and the Honeybears. Hooking up with Spoon and Lost Highway Records has proved to be a great launching board for the band. Watch out San Francisco, they will be landing at Slim’s on May 16th to rock the party.
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