Justin Brown — the drummer behind acclaimed, forward-thinking musicians like Thundercat, Flying Lotus, and Ambrose Akinmusire — is ready to make his own statement.
After years of toiling in New York City, Brown says he's discovered his sound. He admits he found early success in traditional jazz forms but craved more — seeking out mentorships with saxophonists Yosvany Terry and Steve Coleman. He became fluent in many African-inspired rhythms up and down the Americas, from Afro-Cuban music to Colombian Cumbia.
All those influences and more converge in NYEUSI, which means "black" in Swahili. Brown calls it a sound equally beautiful and distorted. It's full of funky backbeats in odd time signatures and psychedelic atmosphere.
Brown talks here about making music rooted in electronics, with the exception of his own percussive apparatus. He also professes his love for the early jazz fusion of the 1970s, anchored by drummers like Dennis Chambers. And he reflects on how he came to occupy Thundercat’s drum chair.
The Checkout from WBGO and Revive Music are proud to present NYEUSI's album release show on June 29 at 151 Nublu in the East Village. Some surprise special guests will turn up along with Brown's handpicked opener Brainfeeder recording artist Mono/Poly. And, we'll be there to capture the event. Get your tickets here.
