Memphis instro icons Impala to release first new album in 20 years!

Memphis Instrumental Kings - Impala return to the studio to create this brand-new album, aptly titled In the Late Hours.  The 10-track whumper – recorded and mixed on analog tape by Scott Bomar at his famed Electraphonic Recording studio features ten intoxicating guitar- and sax-driven instrumentals, born out of that golden era of Memphis music when rockabilly, rhythm and blues, jazz, garage and soul music collided. These songs channel potent ghosts—namely, Packy Axton, Willie Mitchell and Ike Turner, all pioneers of Memphis’ instrumental scene—but they’re hardly derivative. They bristle with urgency and make your heart beat fast. They’ll make you wish for a time long past—when men wore hats in the street and women wore silk stockings fastened with a sexy garter belt.

This isn’t retro, or revivalist. This is music created by four men who, had they not found a way to soothe their savage beasts, might’ve met in a juvenile reformatory. It’s tautly restrained, like a homicidal maniac that, until he wields his axe, calmly sips tea or practices taxidermy techniques. It’s music that is a remedy for hard times. Put it on, and let your mind wander. Take refuge in those darker places. Pour yourself another drink.  And make sure the door’s locked—it’s later than you think.

Impala's In The Late Hours is out August 24th but you can pre-order digital and limited edition vinyl versions now via Pledge Music right here. While you're waiting, here's a vintage Impala fave...




UPCOMING IMPALA SHOWS

SAT. JULY 23 - Railgarten - Memphis, TN

SAT AUG 25 - RECORD RELEASE PARTY - DKDC - Memphis, TN

Charles Gayle, WAYS @ Arraymusic, Friday

Happy Birthday Eric Dolphy

Remembering jazz great Eric Dolphy, who died in 1964 at 36, with the sweet Last Date documentary from 1991. 

Simply Saucer launches new single at The Baby G, Thursday

Simply Saucer's "Lo-Fi Garage Symphonette" comes backed with "Alien Cornfield" on their new Label Obscura seven. 

Here's the scoop from Saucer pilot Edgar Breau:
"Excited to be performing live with Simply Saucer at the Baby G in Toronto this Thursday, June 21st along with Blonde Elvis and DJ Twig Turnbull. It has been a while since we've recorded a new single, going on 40 years or so but it is what it is, the future has arrived and here we are again putting out new vinyl.
"On stage with me is a stellar crew consisting of phenom, Kevin Christoff on bass guitar, the fabulous Colina Phillips on synth, percussion and vocals, multi talented renaissance man, Mike Trebilcock on guitar and Skully theremin and the creative hurricane, Mr. Jesse Locke on drums.
"Our new songs Lo-Fi Garage Symphonette and Alien Cornfield will be available courtesy of Label Obscura. Our show is dedicated to one of Toronto's greatest musicians, our friend and colleague Ed Roth who is on a sabbatical from the band at present, but looms large on our recording, playing his magical keyboards. Looking forward to our blastoff at Baby G. Hope you can make it out to the show!" Have a listen below.

Vintage Toronto: Raving Mojos

Here's some 1982 footage shot by Paul Fox capturing Toronto's unsung legends, the Raving Mojos at the Turning Point. 

Raving Mojos in Mannish Boy from mark westin on Vimeo.

Neko Case performs songs from Hell-On on KEXP

One For The Weekend: Jimmy Delphs

Seems like the right time for this Detroit soul swinger from Jimmy Delphs, written and produced by Popcorn Wylie.