I was reminded of this group after seeing one of their tunes in the comments of last night's music club. This ensemble has a combination of energy and tightness that makes them a force to be reckoned with. They're essentially the house band of Daptone Records, an indie label based in Brooklyn that releases material in and around the genres of funk and soul. However, members of The Budos Band prefers to refer to their group's style as "Afro-Soul," a groovy mix Ethiopian music and '60s soul. "Volcano Song" is a pretty good representation of their style and does a really good job of showcasing that vintage '60s sound that they have managed to faithfully recreate. Many have tried, but most end up falling just short, condemned to being labeled as cheesy. While they have a lot of good recorded material, they really shine on stage, where their energy is palpable and the groove is irresistible.

Got any favorite artists who are influenced by African music?