For the sprawling multi-national soul-jazz collective, Busty and the Bass, collaboration has always been at the forefront of their art. Formed at the University of Montreal over a decade ago, the group is now scattered across four North American cities from coast to coast. The band’s two studio albums, both produced by Grammy Award-winner Neal Pogue, have been praised in equal parts by tastemaker press (Complex, OkayPlayer) and established media (Billboard, American Songwriter). Over the years, they have collaborated with legends George Clinton, Macy Gray, Earth Wind & Fire, members of Slum Village, and exciting new voices like Polaris Music Prize winners Cadence Weapon and Pierre Kwenders, and most recently, Philadelphia rapper Sugar Tongue Slim.
After an original member left the band during the pandemic, the collective used the opportunity to expand their ranks for the first time in years, invigorating the band with a newfound creative energy and approach. Now, the ten-piece collective includes new vocalists Mel Pacifico, Wayne Tennant, and Jordan Brown, with many songs featuring up to five vocalists interchanging verses and harmonizing together. Along with these new voices come new ideas and influences that have inspired the collective’s most dynamic and expansive album yet. The new record, due out in spring 2023, continues their singular experimentation with soul, funk, jazz, and dance music.
