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- January 29, 2022
When thinking about iconic duos, names like Simon and Garfunkel, Hall and Oates, Daft Punk and Eurythmics and the like come to mind. Amidst these giants rise a new breed set to mesmerize and conquer everyone’s playlist in the form of the Black Pumas.
Established 2017, by the oh so talented Eric Burton and Adrian Quesada. This psychedelic soul dynamo duo has already been making waves in the music industry case in point with their Grammy Award nominations last 2020 for Best New Artist and last year as “Best Rock Album” and “Best Rock Performance”. Amazing fact about last year’s nomination is that “Know you better (live from Capitol Studio A) nominated for “Best rock performance” was recorded direct to acetate- all live with no dubs at all. Whoa! Now talk about legendary talent out there!
To add to this already stellar start, last December 13th on Jimmy Kimmel Live! soul brothers Eric and Adrian performed their hearts out giving another out of this world rendition of their hit “Know you better”. Whether you’ve watched it live (on air) or haven’t, this one deserves a watch because it exudes Mo Town vibes that would make Prince and others tapping their toes. It’s a time traveling piece on its own, take us back to good ol’ days so to speak.
The soul train doesn’t stop there though because last December 17th they were on a US tour and from there had an exclusive livestream of their Los Angeles show from the then newly minted YouTube Theater. Some of the songs played in this jaw dropping show were “Colors”, “Know you better” , “Angel” and so much more. This was groovy, sexy and for mind melting because of the talent and musicality displayed. Music at its finest and purest form!
Did you miss this performance? Or simply want to relive the magic? don’t fret because some clips of their performances from that show are now available in their YouTube channel! Here’s a sample.
Just like their name sake, these pumas continued their advance to top of the charts and slayed along the way this time with their heartfelt tribute to the legendary Otis Redding on his death anniversary last December 10th. Their song of choice, the timeless masterpiece “(Sittin on) The Dock of The Bay”.
Many voices have sung this gem throughout the years but this one stands out easily because of Burton’s smooth and gorgeous delivery. He made this song his own, and it just feels so right to the senses and the soul. Sir Otis would definitely be applauding and asking for an encore with this one!
With all these great contents sent forth to the world, like the ones mentioned above. Along with 115 million views on YouTube for “Angel”, which they performed in events such as the Grammy’s, President Biden’s official 2021 inauguration and NFL draft. Coupled with high Profile performances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America”, “TODAY” and so much more. This Texas based pair is destined for music hall of fame.
This isn’t an overreaction or a hot take, this is a fact and the whole world agrees. Certainly, music aficionados and fans alike agree. So does Rolling Stone praising the “tireless, charismatic energy of singer Eric Burton”, and Pitchfork who had this to say, “The duo’s flair for drama is so stirring, they can seem acutely cinematic.”. The love and critical acclaim doesn’t end with these two publications, because NPR, The Fader, The Guardian, Billboard, Essence, and many more all singing their praises.
As far as 2022 is concerned, these pumas are on the prowl and are currently on tour. The schedules are the following: @ House of Blues Las Vegas 2/4/22 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium SOLD OUT 2/5/22 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium 2/26/22 – 2/27/22 – Tempe, AZ @ Innings Festival 3/2/22 – 3/5/22 – Cancún, Mexico @ My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday 3/19/22 – 3/20/22 – Mexico City, CDMX @ Vive Latino 3/25/22 – 3/27/22 – São Paulo, SP @ Lollapalooza Brasil 3/25/22 – 3/27/22 – Bogotá, Colombia @ Estereo Picnic 3/27/22 – 3/29/22 – Boston, MA @ Boston Calling 6/18/22 – Oslo, Norway @ Rockefeller Music Hall 6/19/22 – Stockholm, Sweden @ Berns 6/21/22 – Hamburg, Germany @ Fabrik 6/22/22 – Dortmund, DE @ FZW 6/29/22 – Roskilde, Denmark @ Roskilde Festival 6/30/22 – Barcelona, Spain @ Vida Festival 7/8/22 – 7/10/22 – Trenčín, Slovakia @ Pohoda Festival 7/8/22 – Madrid, Spain @ Mad Cool Festival.
Need more Black Pumas in your life? If so, go ahead and follow them on their official website here as well as their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
