Organ Freeman is the funk of the future. The band mixes a jazzy disposition with a healthy dose of funk, and they sound like a combination of Soulive and The New Mastersounds, with a dash of Vulfpeck thrown in for good measure. Their passion for the music is clear each time they pick up their instruments, with every show a unique musical adventure. Following yesterday’s track release, the band has officially announced their second studio album, Respect My Art, due out September 12th.
Following the band’s 2015 self-titled album, Organ Freeman’s 2017 sound has emerged with new life. Made up of Rob Humphreys (drums), Erik Carlson (guitar) and Trevor Steer (organ/keys), the group is moving in a new direction, as they meld EDM electronics with traditional organ trio instrumentation, to create something new and unique. “Our goal for this album was to try to create the biggest, most expansive sound we could as a three piece, so instead of writing and arranging with the instrumentation in mind, we decided not to shy away from layering or sounds that wouldn’t normally be considered in an organ trio setting,” remarks Steer of the new release.
The band ventures outside of the standard drums-keys-guitar lineup of an organ trio for Respect My Art and enlisted some heavy hitters to join in on the magic. Vulfpeck guitarist Theo Katzman, Turkuaz guitarist Dave Brandwein, Vertical Horizon bassist Sean Hurley, Jungle Fire trumpeter Sean Billings, The Muller’s Wheel alto saxophonist Woody Mankowski, and tenor saxophonist Jesse McGinty all fill out some of the tracks, delving deeper into previously uncharted territory for the band.
All songs were written, arranged, and produced by Organ Freeman. The album was recorded by Chris Sorem at The Nest in Los Angeles, CA. Mixing for Respect My Art is courtesy of Wesley Cole Switzer—who is responsible for mixing the band’s debut self-titled effort—at LA’s Milestone Studios, while Nathan James mastered the record at Vault Mastering in Phoenix, AZ. The band once again enlisted Ryan Dilmore to create the album artwork.
In celebration of the coming release, Organ Freeman has planned two release shows. The first takes place at The Mint in the band’s hometown of Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, September 16th. The second will be held at The Independent in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, September 23rd. Tickets and more info is available via the band’s website.
ORGAN FREEMAN // Upcoming Tour Dates
9/9 – Bellvue, CO – Canyon Jam @ The Mishawaka
9/16 – Los Angeles, CA – The Mint *
9/23 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent *
10/6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Yard @ Top Golf
10/5 – 10/8 – Joshua Tree, CA – Joshua Tree Music Festival
* notes special Respect My Art album release performance