Headed by Snarky Puppy’s multi-Grammy–winning percussion duo of Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, Ghost-Note is an explosion of sound. With an expansive roster of next-level musicians—representing members of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, Herbie Hancock, Kendrick Lamar, Marcus Miller, Toto, Justin Timberlake, and more—the band is pushing funk music into the future, building on the uplifting, pioneering foundations laid out by the likes of James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone and infusing their fresh take with tastes of afrobeat, hip-hop, psychedelia, world folklore, and more.
With the release of 2018’s Swagism, Ghost-Note has made their mission clear. The album puts rhythm at the forefront, with irresistible, heavy-hitting beats underlying the group’s wild, rich music. Featuring numerous guest collaborators, including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Bobby Sparks, Nigel Hall, Taz, and others, Swagism showcases the band’s stunning ability to meld and amplify sounds, ultimately adding to Ghost-Note’s sharp, complex collaborations.
Fearless, both in Swagism’s sonic depth and conscious social commentary, the band easily translates this adventurousness in a live setting. Ghost-Note’s live performances are bold and in your face, with the group offering up none of the tight-laced pretenses frequently associated with the band’s jazz roots. Focused on creating seductive danceable grooves and a contagious feel-good energy, each show is an opportunity to let loose and connect, for both fans and the musicians alike.
After forming in 2015, Ghost-Note has already begun to take the world by storm. The group’s two studio albums—2018’s Swagism and 2015’s Fortified—have earned critical acclaim and popular success around the globe, with both albums hitting the #1 spot on the iTunes Jazz Charts. Furthermore, the ever-growing family of musicians has mounted successful headlining tours in the United States, Canada, and Japan and performed at high-profile international music festivals and events.
Newport Festivals Foundation expands the impact of the Newport Folk & Jazz Festivals through educational initiatives that celebrate innovation while preserving the deep traditions inherent in Jazz and Folk music. Through our Jazz Ambassador program, we connect festival artists (such as Ghost Note) with music education programs they’re passionate about. For this initiative, Newport Festivals Foundation donated top of the line keyboards and microphones to the music program at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Thank you to KORG Education for offering these instruments at a discounted rate.
In celebration of TEN YEARS of FLYINGHORSE – the annual fundraiser/performance extravaganza benefiting Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts – This year will include 9 additional Pop-up Events in and around Dallas, each featuring talented Booker T artists. Attend this year’s MainStage performance on April 24th or any of the other 9 Pop-Up Events at partner venues during March/April 2020 to experience firsthand an infectious energy and magic that is only Booker T! www.bookertflyinghorse.com