Buffalo based singer/songwriter and producer Jon Bap has an eclectic sound that ranges from experimental rock to soul, jazz and hip-hop. In addition to boasting impressive skills as an MC, the artists remix work which includes tracks from Beyonce, The SEVENth, and an ethereal, spaced out take on 50 Cent's "What Up Gangsta". Evident from his diverse Soundcloud uploads, Bap is capable of incorporating countless influences to create a truly unique sound, like on the track "The Best Out" which features a mellow beat and soulful vocals sampled from UK singer Sampha juxtaposed with fiery Drake sample from "Too Much."

In anticipation of his upcoming album, the artist recently shared a collection of demos and studio takes that didn't make it onto the album. The nearly ten minutes of material includes smooth vocal melodies, a comical impression of Atlanta rap group Migos and an experimental track that borders on noise rock with psychedelic and soul elements. With ambitious instrumentation from Bap along with flute and saxophone from Kevin Jacobi and guitar from Dominic Missana, the still untitled sophomore album promises to be highly creative and as sonically adventurous as his 2012 debut Parallels, which featured a slightly more straighforward, indie rock sound. Check out the demos below.

Los Angeles band Orgone began as five friends with a mutual love for classic funk acts like Booker T. & the MG's, The Meters, and Funkadelic making instrumental tracks with the same soul and passion that defined the sound of the genre's most memorable artists. Releasing their self-titled debut in 2002, the band caught the attention of funk fans with their grooving soulful instrumentals and incendiary live sets. After adding a horn section in 2006 and sultry Louisiana soul singer Niki J. Crawford, Orgone has toured extensively, opening for artists like the Roots, Al Green, Thievery Corporation, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, and Gil-Scott Heron.

Tonight, the band brings their energetic live show to Nietzsche's, combining elements of afrobeat, house, and classic dance grooves guaranteed to tear up the dance floor. Tickets are $10 presale and can be purchased here or for $12 at the door. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8. 21+

As it's been noted previously on this blog, Christmas music is rough for music lovers. The soulless corporate man loves that cheesy holiday treacle, and that is what we get bombarded with from Thanksgiving to Christmas. I don't know, maybe it's better for business. Of course there is plenty of wonderful Christmas music out there, but sadly it's not on the playlist ("More Manheim Steamroller! More country!"). Still... every now and again somebody sneaks in Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" and for three minutes, everything is all right. This year Cee Lo Green gave us his faithful take on this soul Christmas classic as part of his enjoyable Christmas set Cee Lo's Magic Moment, and I for one love it. It's crystal clear and mightily soulful, and amidst all this soulless rubbish it's downright good for you. Enjoy.

A man in black and white Nike high tops sporting a dark dinner jacket over a light patterned shirt stood at the mic.  He was talking about a girl, one he thought he'd be with "forever, forever-ever, forever-ever."  He was talking to the crowd, telling them about a time he was "cruising around in his 62 Lincoln Continental, when an amazing song came on the radio."  Suddenly, the band members in black and white t-shirts erupted into their cover of "Get Out Of My Life, Woman."

Andrew Mayer Cohen, known by his stage name Mayer Hawthorne, put on a surprisingly pleasant show.  After hearing three songs only a couple hours prior to entering Town Ballroom on Sunday July 22, I found myself grooving out the doors post-encore with a grin on my face, lit up by the flashing bulbs of the marquee.

Goofy and endearing, his personality and phenomenal voice inspired mental time travel to American Bandstand when girls were melting in their seats, except clearly after his Outkast reference, with a much more modern swagger.  He held a personable connection with the crowd; at one point he asked them to put away their phones - to actually be at the show rather than watching through the screen of an iPhone.

The night was an array of mellow instrumentals, harmonies, and acapella perfection.  The transition between songs was spot on; in the midst of telling his break-up anecdote he tells the crowd "I look this girl dead in her eyes," and the band swiftly begins their original "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out."

Mayer Hawthorne's performance was a perfect generation bridge.  As he slowed the show down for a dedicated cover of Ol' Blue Eyes, an older couple slow danced while the 20-year-old crowd listened intently.  It was truly beautiful to watch, overcome with the recognition that timelessness does exist.