Cha Wa announce new album commemorating 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Today, two-time GRAMMY nominated New Orleans-based, Afro-Indigenous funk collective Cha Wa announced their new album Rise Up, which will be released on August 29, the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Alongside the announcement, Cha Wa has shared the infectious lead single “Here We Come,” a funk powerhouse whose title is the English translation of “Cha Wa” in Mardi Gras Indian slang. 

Listen to “Here We Come” here: https://youtu.be/_M4oNSihKyg

Cha Wa have released three albums to date (2016’s Funk n Feathers, 2018’s Spyboy, and 2021’s My People) earning praise from the likes of NPR (including a Tiny Desk Concert), Garden & Gun, Relix, Bluegrass Situation, World Music Central and many more.

Below is the official media release...Robert Kinsler

​​2x GRAMMY Nominated New Orleans Funk Collective 
Cha Wa Announces New Album

Rise Up Out August 29th

First Single Out Now:

“Here We Come”

 

Photo Credit: Rachel Brennecke

June 20, 2025: Today, two-time GRAMMY nominated New Orleans-based, Afro-Indigenous funk collective Cha Wa announced the release of their new album Rise Up, out on August 29, the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Following up 2021’s GRAMMY nominated My People, the band’s upcoming fourth album is a tour de force of original R&B funk anthems that finds the accomplished band coming into its own to make their most mature and accessible album yet. Alongside the announcement, Cha Wa shares lead single “Here We Come,” a funk powerhouse whose title is the English translation of “Cha Wa” in Mardi Gras Indian slang.

Listen to “Here We Come”

“This song was written to pay homage to the citizens of New Orleans, particularly the Mardi Gras Indian Tribes and Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs that organize Second Line Parades, and the renowned High School Marching Bands that practice in the back streets across the city,” musical director and drummer Joe Gelini explains. “We aimed to create a blend of the infectious, syncopated rhythms of the Mardi Gras Indian tambourine players with the marching band sousaphones. It’s a groove that makes you want to tap your feet, bob your head, and have a look on your face like you smelled something funky. The vocals are dominated by the legendary Spyboy Honey Banister’s rhymed lyrics, recounting the story of masking Indians for fifty years. Spitting this much fire, we believe he’ll continue to tell the story of his ancestors with bravado for another fifty years.”

Today we hide in plain sight / All on Mardi Gras / We dawn our suits at first light / Our tribe got killer ways. 

Today we shout our truth loud / It should be everyday / We make our ancestors proud / Now we’re here to say / We’re gonna rise up

— “Rise Up”

Rise Up centers around themes of rebirth and freedom, and reflects both Mardi Gras Indian culture and the rich New Orleanian culture that fostered it. This album tells real stories of New Orleans and its people, capturing everything from the clarion call of social justice movements to personal journeys of freedom whether from addiction, mental health struggles, betrayal, or the pursuit of redemption.

Beyond its cultural significance, the album features a jaw-dropping array of talent including guest appearances by “The Soul Queen of New Orleans” Irma Thomas, John Boutte’ (HBO’s Treme’), and guest keyboards by Roger Joseph Manning (Beck, Jay-Z), as well as stellar songwriting led by founding musical director and drummer Joe Gelini. The album was produced, mixed and mastered by Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Jesus and Mary Chain, My Morning Jacket, Built to Spill).

Rise Up’s crowning achievement is how its 11 tracks compellingly draw on Cha Wa’s foundation as New Orleans musical royalty, through the band’s enigmatic Mardi Gras Indian frontman, “Spyboy” Irving “Honey” Banister Jr. of the Golden Sioux Tribe. Through its range of songs, the album elevates its singers to frontmen and its musicians to compelling songwriters in their own right, and in the process brings New Orleans roots music to the world stage.

Founded in 2014 by Connecticut-born drummer Joe Gelini, who was inspired to move to New Orleans after studying with the legendary Idris Muhammad, the band is the product of Gelini’s deep immersion into the city’s historic culture. Mixing traditional songs with reverent nods to New Orleans legends The Meters, Neville Brothers and Dr. John, the band has released three albums: Funk n Feathers (2016), Spyboy (2018), and My People (2021). The latter two earned Grammy nominations for Best Regional Roots Album. The band also delivered a rapturous NPR Tiny Desk performance during the pandemic at Preservation Hall in full Mardi Gras Indian regalia, wearing their hand-woven technicolor suits. With their fourth album on the way, Rise Up is the sound of a band that’s paid its dues coming into its own to make an album as compelling as the culture it represents.

In support of the new album, Cha Wa has a number of festival appearances lined up for the Summer. See full list of tour dates below.

Rise Up Tracklist: 

1. Here We Come
2. Music Is My Medicine
3. Why You Wanna Do Me Like That
4. Elijah Rock
5. Freedom Of The City
6. Heavy Is The Head
7. Fallen Soldiers
8. Hear The Sound
9. Revival
10. Rise Up
11. Won’t Bow Down

Tour Dates:

July 24 – Floyd, VA – FloydFest

July 26 – Macon, GA – Bragg Jam Concert Crawl

July 30 – Reno, NV – Artown 2025

July 31 – Phoenix, AZ – Musical Instrument Museum

August 3 – Kaslo, BC – Kaslo Jazz Festival

Follow Cha Wa:

Website - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter - Youtube

New James Brown track from 1970, "We Got To Change", to be released Feb. 16, 2024

Media Release 

JAMES BROWN UNIVERSAL MUSIC ENTERPRISES TO ISSUE PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED JAMES BROWN SONG “WE GOT TO CHANGE” ON FEB. 16

Three-Track We Got To Change EP Features Storming J.B.’s Lineup Starring Brothers Catfish and Bootsy Collins and “Funky Drummer” Clyde Stubblefield Set Will Preface Feb. 19-20 Premiere of Two-Night A&E Documentary Event James Brown: Say It Loud  from Executive Producers Mick Jagger and Questlove FEBRUARY 1, 2024 (Santa Monica, CA) – UMe/Republic Records will release James Brown’s We Got To Change, a three-track EP featuring the previously unheard title track, on Feb. 16. “We Got To Change” was recorded August 16, 1970, at Criteria Studios in Miami, during a pivotal period in the world of James Brown, as longtime members of his famed James Brown Orchestra had walked out a few months earlier. Pre-order HERE Brown quickly assembled a new group anchored by guitarist Phelps “Catfish” Collins and bassist William “Bootsy” Collins, two young brothers from Cincinnati. They brought a harder edge and a fresh identity to Brown’s music on such singles as “Get Up (I Feel Like Being) a Sex Machine,” “Super Bad,” and “Soul Power.” Brown called them The J.B.’s. Their Criteria session featured a reunion with one of Brown’s 1960s sidemen: the great Clyde Stubblefield. “The Funky Drummer,” as he was known, would grace several of Brown’s subsequent hits, and would become one of the most sampled drummers of the hip-hop era. Also on the track is James Brown’s longtime no. 2, Bobby Byrd, who is heard alongside Brown on the chorus.   “We Got To Change” is another example of James Brown’s social outreach (and outrage), seen in singles like “Don’t Be a Dropout,” “Say It Loud I’m Black and I’m Proud,” “Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved” and “King Heroin.” It is also a testament to Brown’s diverse musical language, quoting from Little Jimmy Dickens’ 1949 hit “Take an Old Cold Tater (And Wait)” and the African-American anti-war spiritual, “Down by the Riverside.” “The James Brown Revue invented the Funk,” says Funk author Rickey Vincent, “and the J.B.’s perfected it.” Newly unearthed and hitherto unheard, “We Got to Change” adds a critical page to the history of that perfection’s evolution. The release of We Got to Change will precede James Brown: Say It Loud, a two-part, four-hour documentary about the life and music of the late “Godfather of Soul” that premieres February 19 and 20 at 8 pm ET/PT on A&E.  “James  Brown: Say It Loud” is directed by Deborah Riley Draper and produced for A&E by Inaudible Films in association with Polygram Entertainment and GroupM Motion Entertainment, and in cooperation with the owner/custodian of the James Brown Estate, Primary Wave. Peter Afterman serves as Executive Producer for Inaudible Films along with Executive Producer Mari Keiko Gonzales and Producer Sarah Haber. Executive Producers for Jagged Entertainment are Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman. Executive Producers for Two One Five Entertainment are Ahmir ‘Questlove’ Thompson, Tariq 'Black Thought' Trotter, Shawn Gee, and Zarah Zohlman. David Blackman and Bruce Resnikoff serve as Executive Producers, with Madeline Post and Robert Komadina as co-executive producers for Polygram Entertainment. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster serve as Executive Producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Charlie Cohen serves as Executive Producer for Warner Music Group. Elaine Frontain Bryant and Brad Abramson serve as Executive Producers for A&E Network. A&E holds worldwide distribution rights to “James Brown: Say it Loud.”   JAMES BROWN X ROOTS OF FIGHT Roots Of Fight has created a unique capsule collection paying tribute to Mr. Dynamite and his new song “We Got To Change.” Roots Of Fight is a media, lifestyle and apparel brand that celebrates the improbable achievements of today’s most legendary athletes, innovators, and cultural icons.     JAMES BROWN X SONG-WORD ART HOUSE Song-Word Art House will be paying tribute to the lyrics and music of James Brown, one of the world’s most dynamic performers and innovative songwriters, admired for his pioneering influence in funk, soul, and hip-hop music.  The collection of original artworks by internationally acclaimed artists from around the world features a mixture of canvases, sculptures, and mixed media artworks, representing select lyrics from songs throughout James Brown’s illustrious career.  More info here. WE GOT TO CHANGE EP Tracklisting "We Got To Change" "We Got To Change" (extended version) "We Got To Change" (Pixal remix)

Catching up on 2020: Morrissey, Other Lives, Lettuce, Elbow

In this column I feature a handful of essential 2020 titles I didn't get to last year but are definitely worth exploring.

Artist: Morrissey

Title: I Am Not A Dog On A Chain (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Morrissey, the Smiths

Tell me more: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is an adage that Morrissey smashes to pieces on his aptly-titled album I Am Not A Dog On A Chain. The iconic English singer-songwriter delivers a batch of songs that find his biting appraisal of humanity (including himself), emotional isolation and comedic jabs wrapped up in an expanded soundscape including touches of electronica, blues, soul and other styles new in his work on his 13th solo release. My favorite tracks are the propulsive electronica-rock opener "Jim Jim Falls," dreamy sarcasm-aimed "Knockabout World," reflective "Once I Saw The River Clean," uplifting "Bobby, Don't You Think They Know," the latter featuring Morrissey's signature baritone  blending splendidly with the voice of 74-year-old R&B great Thelma Houston. Information: MorrisseyOfficial.com.

Artist: Other Lives

Title: For Their Love (ATO Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Radiohead, Phosphorescent, DeVotchKa

Tell me more: Other Lives offers up melancholy amidst experimental moodscapes on its outstanding fourth album For Their Love. Band leader Jesse Tabish and company have returned for the first time since 2015's Rituals and the long wait has come with a spirited collection of songs that defy categorization while somehow bridging the art rock of Radiohead with winning alternative Americana of Phosphorescent. The soaring "Cops," edgy "Lost Day," symphonic opus "All Eyes - For Their Love," beautiful "Dead Language," and evocative "We Wait" are among the standouts on the 10-track album. Information: otherlives.com.

Artist: Lettuce

Title: Resonate (Round Hill Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Steely Dan, Tower of Power, Project Tru

Tell me more: Blending funk and jazz with a masterful touch, virtuoso six-member troupe Lettuce returned in early 2020 with the intoxicating Resonate. Delivering a mostly-instrumental serving of original tunes, the funky romp "Blaze," fiery "Good Morning Mr. Shmink," immersive "Mr. Dynamite," shimmering "Silence Is Golden" and soulful "Remember the Children" are among the killer cuts on the disc. Jungle Boogie and Big Tony guest on the grooving "Checker Wrecker"; later Indrajit  Banerjee adds his imaginative Sitar playing on the driving "Moksha." Information: LettuceFunk.com.

VINYL REISSUES

Artist: Elbow

Titles: Asleep in the Back; Cast of Thousands; Leaders of the Free World; Dead in the Boot (Polydor Records / UMC)

You might like if you enjoy: Peter Gabriel, Radiohead, Doves

Tell me more: I discovered Elbow when I caught the English band perform an incredible set at Coachella in April 2011. I subsequently caught the group's headlining performance at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles later that year and am a true fan of Elbow's acclaimed discography. Led by lead singer and lyricist Guy Garvey, Elbow's sound is at once very familiar and very unique. Blending the sensibilities of prog rock greats such as Peter Gabriel-era Genesis and Porcupine Tree with the experimental craft of Radiohead, Elbow is one of rock's modern-day treasures. In addition to Garvey, the band includes Craig Potter (keyboards, piano, backing vocals), Mark Potter (guitar, backing vocals) and Pete Turner (bass guitar, backing vocals). Original drummer Richard Jupp was replaced by session drummer Alex Reeves in 2016.

Now Polydor Records has reissued Elbow's early albums on heavyweight vinyl and they sound amazing; the band's wonderful 2001 debut Asleep in the Back, impressive 2003 sophomore follow-up Cast of Thousands and seminal third disc Leaders of the Free World (2005) were issued on Sept. 25, 2020 and are worth adding to your collection. The additional good news is that this now means all eight of Elbow's full-length studio albums are on vinyl. In 2008, Elbow won the Mercury Music Prize for their fourth album The Seldom Seen Kid and they followed up that honor in 2009 by winning the Brit Award for Best British Group. Information: elbow.co.uk.

Robert Kinsler

Music Worth Buying: 'Where Have We Been?'

TJR and Robert Kinsler return from hiatus with a new episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING: