Country : United States Label : CORE PORT Genres and styles : Jazz Fusion / Jazz-Funk Year : 2022

Snarky Puppy – Empire Central

· by Varun Swarup

Snarky Puppy needs no introduction, their name is all but synonymous with ‘jazz fusion’ in the 21st century. Perhaps better described as a collective than a band, the group has between 25 to 40 musicians in their roster and is known around the world for their epic arrangements and visceral performances. While members of Snarky Puppy diaspora hail from all corners, the group has its origins in the practice rooms of the University of North Texas, where bassist and frontman, Michael League .came to conceive the project. Their latest outing, Empire Central, sees them turning to their Texan roots for inspiration in delivering a solid set of originals. 

As one would expect with any Snarky Puppy record, the group retains their idiomatic blend of funk, jazz, r&b, and even prog for good measure. Though the band have always made it a point to write music that nourishes the mind and body, in Empire Central they offer more of a heady feast for the body. Recorded over the course of eight nights at a Dallas nightclub, the band leans more heavily on groove and rhythm with tight, economic arrangements that play to their strengths. 

Along for the ride this time along is New York native turned Texan Bernard Wright. An influential keyboardist in the 1980s, Wright delights in the funky number “Take It!” and is a strong presence. “Belmont” is another standout track that showcases the band’s strong melodic and part writing. As always, the sound engineers do stellar work in giving clarity to each element in the mix. While there is nothing particularly mind-blowing on display here, the band plays it safe with a solid release sure to please fans and newcomers alike. 

Latest 360 Content

Piknic Electronik | DJ Fuckoff Turns Up The Heat for Pep Rally

Piknic Electronik | DJ Fuckoff Turns Up The Heat for Pep Rally

Orford 2025 | Collectif9: folk that innovates and grooves

Orford 2025 | Collectif9: folk that innovates and grooves

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | The next global star of Tuareg blues is born, and it is in Montreal

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | The next global star of Tuareg blues is born, and it is in Montreal

Ruby Creek – Forget Me Not

Ruby Creek – Forget Me Not

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

Clipse – Let God Sort Em Out

Ross Lee Finney : Landscapes Remembered

Ross Lee Finney : Landscapes Remembered

Lanaudière Festival | The Sparkle of Strauss, Schumann, and Brahms in Joliette

Lanaudière Festival | The Sparkle of Strauss, Schumann, and Brahms in Joliette

Wet Leg – moisturizer

Wet Leg – moisturizer

Sister Ray – Believer

Sister Ray – Believer

Festival de Lanaudière | Franco Fagioli and the voice of bel canto

Festival de Lanaudière | Franco Fagioli and the voice of bel canto

Nuits d’Afrique | Manamba Kanté, An Undeniable Diva

Nuits d’Afrique | Manamba Kanté, An Undeniable Diva

Nuits d’Afrique | El Gato Negro, A Feline Like No Other

Nuits d’Afrique | El Gato Negro, A Feline Like No Other

Nights of Africa 2025 | A gnawa fusion reactor named Saïd Mesnaoui

Nights of Africa 2025 | A gnawa fusion reactor named Saïd Mesnaoui

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | Sousou and Maher Cissoko: benevolence and complicity

Nuits d’Afrique 2025 | Sousou and Maher Cissoko: benevolence and complicity

Nuits d’Afrique | Las Karamba And Their Militant Salsa

Nuits d’Afrique | Las Karamba And Their Militant Salsa

Women shine at the Quebec City Opera Festival

Women shine at the Quebec City Opera Festival

Festival de Lanaudière | A Successful Choral Evening for Akamus

Festival de Lanaudière | A Successful Choral Evening for Akamus

Festival d’art vocal de Montréal | Training the Next Generation of Lyric Artists, From Voice to Stage Direction

Festival d’art vocal de Montréal | Training the Next Generation of Lyric Artists, From Voice to Stage Direction

Nuits d’Afrique | Soul Bang’s, The King of Improvisation

Nuits d’Afrique | Soul Bang’s, The King of Improvisation

Nuits d’Afrique | Tyrane Mondeny: The Rising Star Has Reached Her Destination

Nuits d’Afrique | Tyrane Mondeny: The Rising Star Has Reached Her Destination

Nuits d’Afrique | El Gato Negro, The Sound of Subtropical Pop

Nuits d’Afrique | El Gato Negro, The Sound of Subtropical Pop

Nuits d’Afrique | Glowzi, in Soundsystem Mode

Nuits d’Afrique | Glowzi, in Soundsystem Mode

Nuits d’Afrique | Mateus Vidal & Axé Experience, “Uma Festa” in The Rain

Nuits d’Afrique | Mateus Vidal & Axé Experience, “Uma Festa” in The Rain

Naomi – A Dark Corner to Dance In

Naomi – A Dark Corner to Dance In

Subscribe to our newsletter