Expanding upon Brazilian jazz traditions, Close Knobs is the new project from jazz fusion band Snarky Puppy’s Justin Stanton and Chris Bullock. The two have five Grammy Awards each, and their lineup for Close Knobs is rounded out with even more star power. The project’s debut, 2024’s Claro e Escuro, is a primarily instrumental album recorded in Brazil alongside drummer Kurt Stracener of Mellow Swells and bassist Quinn Sternberg, who is both a successful solo musician and a sought-after collaborator. Using classic Brazilian harmonies as its foundation, the record adds in electronic touches and an improvisational spirit, claiming to “[float] somewhere between Milton Nascimento’s lyricism, Alice Coltrane’s spiritual depth and Flying Lotus’s rhythmic warp.” Athens-based musician Annie Leeth will open the show with accompaniment from percussionist Mason Davis.
WHO: Close Knobs
WHEN: Thursday, August 14, 8 p.m. (doors)
WHERE: Flicker Theatre & Bar
HOW MUCH: $12 (adv.), $15
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