Garcia Peoples, “One Step Behind” (Live)
To celebrate getting my copy of the new Garcia Peoples album (the second this year behind the fantastic Natural Facts), One Step Behind, here is a 48-minute live performance of the title track at the band’s album release show at Nublu in New York.
The band’s label (the reliably groovy) Beyond Beyond is Beyond says on Facebook: “Um, our dude Bryon snagged the whole 48 minutes of Garcia Peoples “One Step Behind” last night at Nublu. Have a gander! The amazing Bob Malach rippin it on sax!”
Byron Whitley says at the video’s YouTube page: “48 glorious minutes of Garcia Peoples’ “One Step Behind” record release show at Nublu in NYC with Tom’s dad, Bob Malach, sitting in on sax.”
Garcia Peoples present us with something we don’t get to see that often any longer; a band creating itself as it goes. In the throes of pre-packaged pop and when everyone has to have an “image” and a “sound,” it’s exciting to hear a band that sounds excited. Garcia Peoples have allowed themselves to musically mature in public.
Their 2018 debut ‘Cosmic Cash” came out of the gate strong and garnered a lot of well-deserved attention. Their name and vibe definitely caught the ears of many heads. But could they jam? And the live tapes showed a band working out and through its sound. Earlier this year, the band released Natural Facts which proved that they were maturing and finding their voice. But could they jam?
The band’s third album in a year-and-a-half, ‘One Step Behind’ has the feel of a band with something to prove. The album sticker says as much: “Whether or not you thought you knew Garcia Peoples’ music, One Step Behind is something new and beautiful, for new heads and old.” Jesse Jarnow’s liner notes echo the sentiment: “Welcome to the sound of Garcia Peoples at full speed. Without losing a ray of sunshine or a drop of dew, One Step Behind is the first major statement by the malleable Brooklyn sextet.”
Yes, they can jam and Garcia Peoples should not feel like they have anything left to prove. I can’t wait to see where the music takes us. One Step Behind is a terrific step forward.