One thing’s for certain when listening to Snarky Puppy: they have mastered the live performance. After finding success and accolades — namely four GRAMMY Awards — with live recordings like both volumes of their Family Dinner series, the ensemble returns with a new live album, Empire Central, along with a visual for its latest single “Pineapple.”
Filmed over the course of eight nights at Dallas’ Deep Ellum Art Company, “Pineapple” showcases the band doing what they do best: delivering a fun, soulful performance. Bandleader Michael League and company are clearly having as much as the audience as they settle into the upbeat groove. Co-written by League and Mike “Maz” Maher, “Pineapple” is a rich, jazz-infused jaunt that is sure to put a smile on listeners’ faces.
The remainder of Empire Central also delivers buoyant vibes, often feeling like viewers are sitting in on an all-night jam session. Lending to the band’s unique blend of jazz, funk and R&B is late funk pioneer Bernard Wright, who passed away shortly after the album’s recording, making his appearance on “Take It!” his final recorded performance.
Although Empire Central was just released in September, it quickly earned Snarky Puppy another GRAMMY nod, this time for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. Following the February 6, 2023 ceremony, the band will be taking their show on the road again for a spring tour with numerous dates in North and South America. Check Snarky Puppy's website to see if they will be making a pitstop in a city near you after you watch “Pineapple” to get transported to their vibrant, live experience.
