Dela (Slightly Stoopid) and Karl Denson (The Rolling Stones) are set to release their debut album, Opening Night, on November 3rd via Stoopid Records. The duo have teamed up with LA reggae stalwarts the Aggrolites to create an 11-track galactic fusion of jazz and reggae that features numerous guest vocalists and performers. Opening Night is available for pre-order here.
“This is the first of many albums, hence the title,” Dela says. “I wanted to make it feel like you were coming to the opening show of something you hadn’t ever heard before. Musically, I wanted to go in a different direction. I’ve been playing Jamaican-related music since I was 16-years-old. I’ve never seen anyone try to make an album like this. When you’re listening to it, I hope it feels good.”
Guest performers include the talents of powerhouse players such as Rashawn Ross (Dave Matthews Band, Lettuce), Andy Geib (Slightly Stoopid, Wise Monkey Orchestra), and Marco Benevento (Joe Russo’s Almost Dead). Angelo Moore (Fishbone) lends his voice to the instrumental funky flow and starkly funny narrative of “Atlantic and Smith.” Elsewhere, Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 turns up with locked and loaded Los Angeles-style bars on the enigmatic and engaging “Loose Screws.” Meanwhile, Dela and Karl lock into a solo volley on the mind-blowing “Way About Ya.”
Check out the world premiere of Atlantic & Smith (featuring Angelo Moore) below:
Opening Night Track Listing:
1. Any Day Now
2. Sonrie Amor feat. Jesse Wagner
3. A Break from the Norm
4. Atlantic and Smith feat. Angelo Moore
5. Way about ya feat. Karl Denson
6. Loose Screws feat. Chail 2na
7. Rejoice feat. Rebecca Jade
8. Rocksteady Lullaby
9. Duality
10. Who the Bruthas feat. Kyle McDonald
11. This is Goodbye feat. Rebecca Jade