Staxx Brothers bring a dizzying blend of funk, hip-hop, jazz and R&B to the Bike

Published 11:28 am Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Staxx Brothers, a Seattle band that blends hip-hop and R&B with funk and jazz instrumentation, will take the stage at Red Bicycle Bistro & Sushi at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11.

The eight-person group has been described as “a melting pot of talent,” with a blind rapper from Detroit, female backup singers and Davin Stedman fronting the band.

The band, which cites Outkast, the Rolling Stones and Otis Redding as influences, took its name from the legendary Memphis-based recording label Stax Records, which launched the careers of such soul music giants as Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staple Singers and others.

The new Staxx Brothers album, “The 12th Street Blues,” has been described as an exploration of “the true range and influence of American soul” by critics.

Cuts on the CD include songs informed and inspired by hip hop, Ray Charles and Jimi Hendrix.

The Staxx Brothers have shared the stage with Blake Lewis, Kevin Sawka, Maktub and Porter Batiste Stoltz of the Funky Meters. Members of the group have also performed alongside artists ranging from Tone Loc and the Drifters to Ray Charles.

The show, ages 21 and up only, will have a $5 cover charge.