While The Professor typically interviews local artists for The Professor’s Chair, this week, he is reviewing some of his favorite local albums. From Miami to Gainesville, these musicians have crafted some of the best, most original sounds the local scene has to offer.
“Sincerely, Severely” by Morningbell
Out of Gainesville, Fla., Morningbell put together 2009’s album of the year, “Sincerely, Severely.” The album is all blazing guitars, hip-shaking drums, soulful singing and monster choruses that can’t be forgotten.
At times, it’s reminiscent of The Beatles and The Flaming Lips. It feels as if Morningbell heard the best albums in the world and then fashioned a sound all their own. After rocking Bonnaroo, one of the biggest music festivals in the country, Morningbell is starting to gain the recognition they richly deserve. Their two previous albums, “Through the Belly of the Sea” and “Forgetting to Wake Up,” remind me of a funky version of early Coldplay.
“¡Suénalo!” by ¡Suénalo!
Speaking of funky, ¡Suénalo! is without a doubt the funkiest band in South Florida. The jam band fuses hip-hop, jazz, Latin and Caribbean influences seamlessly, for a groove that is pure Miami. Their self-titled album is a party where everyone is invited to chill, and the horn section is musical bliss. Similar South Florida bands include Umoja Orchestra and Palo!
“Live at the Orange Peel” by Toubab Krewe
On the Local Show, we don’t limit ourselves to what’s local in south Florida. While the natives will always get first priority, any band that isn’t mainstream is still local somewhere. Toubab Krewe hails from Asheville, N.C., but their sound is straight out of Africa. A jam band featuring a 21-string harp-lute, called a kora, and a 12-string harp-lute, called a kamelengoni, Toubab Krewe’s rhythm is paced by their electric guitar and Malian string section.
For a similar band, check out another troupe from Asheville, The Afromotive, which features a different, but also distinct, African sound. Toubab Krewe will be at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 7.
“Nomad” by Lotus
Formed in Indiana, Lotus’ techno style has jams that can lodge themselves in your consciousness for weeks at a time. Nomad’s “Spiritualize” is one of the most effortless, free-flowing songs you can ever wish to hear in your life.
Lotus’s newest album “Build,” is their best effort since “Nomad,” while the also-recent “Monks” features a variety of great MCs rapping over their jams. For the closest thing to “Monks,” listen to Hypnotik Brass Ensemble’s single “Saikou.” Lotus will be in Florida early next year, performing at the Jam Cruise in Miami and headlining Aura Music Festival in Live Oak, Fla.
Tune in to RadioX, 6 p.m. to midnight, on 88.5 FM in the tri-county area. Or, catch it live online 24/7 at nova.edu/radiox/listen.html or through the TuneIn Radio app, available for iPhone, Android and Blackberry.
