Black Pumas

Wednesday 20th November, Dingwalls, London, Black Pumas. On the day that they have been nominated for a Grammy for best new band and well on their way to selling out the significantly bigger venue of Islington Assembly Hall in February we welcome Black Pumas to the intimate surroundings of Dingwalls. They are clearly a band with an upward trajectory and after tonight’s show you can see why.

Black Pumas are a Texas based band and the core duo of guitarist Adrian Quesada and singer Eric Burton are joined tonight by a full band of keys, drums, bass and two backing singers.
It’s the classic soul intro with the band starting the proceeding before Burton arrives on stage. An enigmatic performer his stage presence fills the room and after the first song where the sound man is finding the right levels, we are treated to a stunning funky soul masterclass. Central to that is the guy on keyboards who resplendent in big wool coat, shades and beanie hat looking like an extra from Shaft bounces around and drives the sound along.

What is clear that these guys are a real band. They complement each other perfectly from the driving rhythm section through Quesada’s licks to the sass of the ladies on the mics.

But its Burton who you can’t keep your eyes off. Whether its sashaying with the other singers or in the crowd serenading the audience his voice is clear and strong in that classic soul style.

Essentially promoting their only album, every track and more gets an airing and the tempo of the show is spot on bringing us down and taking us back up at the drop of a hand. There is however one clear highlight for me which was an amazing version of ‘Colors’ from the eponymous album. Absolutely stunning musically, vocally, choreographically from its slow build to rousing crescendo and instant singalong chorus. Hair tingling stuff. The crowd lap it up and the smiles in the audience are matched by those on stage.

A joyous evening and I’m so glad we have been able to see them in such an intimate venue before stardom and the obvious additional attention they are bound to receive takes them to bigger rooms. That’s shouldn’t daunt them though as their sound will easily fill bigger spaces and I think that maybe the addition of some brass will enhance the sound even further.

Till the next time keep on soulful funky rockin y’all

An enjoyable show but their set could use some work in my opinion. The original material hardly deviated tempo throughout the whole night and the band seemed pretty flat at times. Let them jam out more and bring some life to the set. The lead singer has a good presence but his voice did not make a big impact on me (hence the back up singers helped). Enjoyed the cover of Elenor Rigby cover a lot.

Hey, they’re a new band and are still getting the chemistry right. All in all, another retro soul act spreading vibes.

RIGHT ON, YEAH!!!
Ya'll make some amazingly beautiful noise! Thank you for sharing with us! I call it the kind of music that keeps you from getting out of the car when you're late for work and it comes on the radio!

Great band and great gig, they really connect with the audience and so the atmosphere was very good, as they make more smooth and funky music they will only get better. A group rising to the top in my view.

Love the Black Pumas!!!
Love the Kessler!!!
Looking forward to the next time I get to see both. All three acts did a great job.

There's a black moon rising my sisters and my brothers!

Toffe band, toffe show. Veel energie bij de band en in de zaal. We gaan zeker nog een keer als ze er weer zijn. We kijken uit naar nieuw materiaal van ze!