Rhythm Council

Funk, Soul, Rock, Blues, R&B

Band Members:
Henry Butler - piano/vocals
Papa Mali - guitar/vocals
Kirk Joseph - bass
Robb Kidd - drums

Biography:
Rhythm Council originally gathered during a recording session for Papa Mali’s second studio CD Do Your Thing. Although the musicians had all shared the stage in the past, this was the first time the combo played as a quartet and absolute magic ensued. Comprised of guitar master and soulful vocalist Papa Mali www.papamali.com, the world-class pianist/vocalist and 6-time W.C. Handy Award nominee Henry Butler www.henrybutler.com, the legendary bottom line of original Dirty Dozen Brass Band sousaphone player Kirk Joseph www.ditrydozenbrass.com and the foot-stomping sheer force of drummer Robb Kidd from Papa Mali Trio; this project was bound for the stratosphere. The synergy between the musicians was undeniable and soon they were looking for an excuse to play again as a unit. The opportunity arose when High Sierra Music Festival was interested in booking these individual musicians but wanted to fill a full band slot. Rhythm Council (an advisory panel on pure soul) was born. Soon word of mouth spread about the project, and opportunities arose with other festival and events across the country.

To paraphrase one writer:

“Rhythm Council lifted me off the grass quickly. When Butler, a blind pianist who escaped the Katrina calamity by relocating prior, gets behind a keyboard he more than knows what he’s doing. He attacked the piano with the fervor of a Cecil Taylor, the flamboyancy of a Jerry Lee Lewis, and the technique of an Oscar Peterson. He alone provides enough entertainment to sustain a set. Couple him with Joseph who brilliantly laid down bass lines on a Sousaphone (with the sound of a flat bed truck) and Papa Mali (sounds like a witch doctor) on guitar and vocals and you had one rousing set. The highlight was his baritone/ Lou Rawls sounding vocals on “Early in the Morning” an extended jam of which he supplied some wicked counterpoint on guitar. He can hold his own with anyone as a guitarist. The drummer, Robb Kidd, performed well enough to garner billing with the rest and match him up with the others and you’ve got one deadly band. If these guys haven’t recorded together yet, then let’s kidnap ‘em and find the nearest studio.”

Although the artists plan to continue on with their individual projects, keep an eye out for them at an event near you, laying down their thick, deep Soul drenched sounds. It seems they are having too much fun to stop now. They seamlessly transform from thunderous barnburners into melodious flowing narratives at the drop of a hat. Fans of Funk, R&B, Rock, Blues, syncopated New Orleans second-line beats, Southern Gospel, Soul, Jazz and beyond will all have a lot to celebrate. (Photo: David Licht 2006)


Discography:


Management: Brandon Mann - Crescendo Artists

Tour Dates:


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