Mon Jul 17
Longtime performers in a musical metropolis that has run the gamut of genres and musical stylings from Roberta Flack to Bad Brains, and Shirley Horn to the Slickee Boys, Desson Thomson and Cairo Fred are an innovative phenomenon unto themselves. From the pedal steel sound that underscores many of their tunes to the darkly whimsical narratives in Desson’s lyrics, they are like an eclectic chef let loose in the music kitchen, reaching for sprinklings of R&B, cabaret, jazz, reggae, with even a particularly ingenious pinch of rap. Tonight’s recording release party, featuring many selections from their new album, Freedom Street, is a delectable showcase for this exciting band, and the richly innovative songwriting partnership between Desson and Cairo Fred cofounder and guitarist Bradford Heck.