Bells Atlas and Tori Roze
Turning soul music into psychedelic jams isn’t the exclusive province of Deadhead disciples, and putting it into the hands of jazz-trained musicians hasn’t been a new idea since Randy California and Spirit first debuted in the late ‘60s. However, the way Oakland quartet Bells Atlas drenches the whole production in synthesized Afrobeat percussion and reggae grooves makes for one of the most danceable acts this side of Hiatus Kaiyote. Singer-keyboardist Sandra Lawson-Ndu is a powerful vocalist with a background in R&B, while guitarist Derek Barber was classically trained as a jazz player, making for vibrant collaborations on releases like their self-titled 2013 debut album and a four-track EP in 2015. Their stagecraft has been honed on the road with everyone from Bermuda Triangle to Badbadnotgood, Bilal, and Meshell Ndegeocello, as well as a stint touring as the house band for NPR’s Snap Judgment Live. A new single and video for “Be Brave” is part of a year-long campaign in support of an upcoming album and a bonus EP. Their October 7 appearance at Soda Bar will be opened by locals Tori Roze & the Hot Mess, who recently landed a tune in the film 66 is Nowhere, as well as releasing a new album, Baggage Claim.
