Super Hi-Fi – “Washingtonian”
Dub to the Bone

Super Hi-Fi have been expanding the boundaries of dub ever since they released their singles “Single Payer” & “We Will Begin Again” on Electric Cowbell Records. Their dual-trombone harmonies elevate their songs with blasting attacks. Super Hi-Fi’s debut album, Dub to the Bone, is due to be released December 4th on Electric Cowbell Records. The vinyl includes a download card and some terrific remixes. This is a fine batch of killer Afro-dub funk recorded onto analog tape and enhanced by vintage effects like Echoplex and the Space Echo. Renowned dub engineer Prince Polo lays down the tracks written and produced by bassist and bandleader Ezra Gale. Ezra’s ear for a broader dub sound is evident all over Dub to the Bone and the trombones lead the line, pumping melodies over top-notch grooves.

“Trombones are like violas. They’ve always been under-appreciated instruments and even the butt of a lot of band jokes. But when you blend the tones of two trombones with the space of dub you get a deep, full sound that is both soothing and striking.” – Ezra Gale

Before the days of Super Hi-Fi, Ezra formed Aphrodesia in 2003, an Afrobeat revival band with their own signature sound. The eleven-piece group from San Francisco spent a month performing and living in Ghana in 2006, in the process traveling through Togo and Benin to Nigeria to perform at the Shrine with Femi Kuti. The band made a name for themselves combining Afrobeat, funk, dub, Zimbabwean trance, hip-hop and global pop into a scintillating blend of unique jams.

Super Hi-Fi took flight after Ezra moved back from the Bay Area to New York City in 2009. At the request of a friend, he put together a house band which quickly gained experience hosting the “Afro-Dub Sessions” monthly party at the now-defunct Rose Live Music venue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. These gatherings featured a host of top-flight DJ’s and producers – some of whom, like Victor Rice, Subatomic Sound System, and the Beverley Road All-Stars – contribute remixes to Dub to the Bone. The meeting of African and Jamaican sounds influenced the band’s name, as “super” is a popular word for African bands and “Hi-Fi” represents Jamaican soundsystem culture.

The members of Super Hi-Fi are involved in various projects on the side. Trombonist Alex Asher leads the Afro-rock People’s Champs and also appeared on Beyonce’s last album 4, trombonist Ryan Snow plays with rising soul stars Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, guitarist Will Graefe lends his twang to Miss Tess and the Talkbacks and drummer Madhu Siddappa holds things down for longtime Brooklyn dub explorers Dub Is a Weapon. Dub to the Bone also includes Adam Dotson of Rubblebucket on trombone on “Washingtonian,” percussionist Foluso Mimy of the Mandingo Ambassadors on “Tri Tro Tro” and Todd Perlmutter from the Blue Man Group playing drums on the “Single Player” and “Q Street” remixes alongside Gale’s Aphrodesia bandmate Chris Mulhauser on guitar.

Listen to “Washingtonian” above or on Super Hi-Fi’s soundcloud where you can find a Dub to the Bone album sampler among other tracks from the album. Don’t miss their upcoming Brooklyn performance on Thursday, December 20th at The Lab as Sound Liberation Front, Do or Dine and One Last Shag present: Armageddon-It-On with Super Hi-Fi and Rubblebucket.

Super Hi-Fi – “Single Payer” (Full Version)

Your ears will thank you on Valentine’s Day, because this February 14th Super Hi-Fi are dropping their latest single, “Single Payer” on Electric Cowbell Records. Bassist and composer Ezra Gale leads Super Hi-Fi, the double trombone dub outfit based in Brooklyn. Joining him are Alex Asher and Ryan Snow on trombones, Will Graefe on guitar and Madhu Siddapha on drums. Their debut on Electric Cowbell will leave you clamoring for more. “Single Payer” is a hearty dose of classic dub, complete with dueling trombones and a solid backbone. The UK-stepper vibe is heavy with ska and rocksteady rounding out the mix. This tongue-in-cheek political reference even features samples of Nancy Pelosi and Joe Lieberman on the cut. The 45 comes with the single as well as a remix by the legendary dub producer, Victor Rice.

Ezra Gale’s last outfit, Aphrodesia, took their afrobeat all the way to Femi Kuti’s Shrine in Lagos, Nigeria. This time around, Super Hi-Fi joined forces with the Sound Liberation Front, who organizes NYC’s Dub Invasion Festival, to host the popular monthly “Afro-Dub Sessions” that featured collaborations with everyone from Subatomic Sound System to Ticklah and others. With SLF’s production help, Super Hi-Fi have put their efforts on wax. Ezra and the gang could have just given you the single, but each purchase of the 45 includes a download card where you can grab three different Victor Rice dub remixes as well as the full seven minute version of “Single Payer,” which is magnificent. If you are a fan of those trombones, you must hear the full length version to get the whole effect of the powerful ending where the horns cut loose.

Electric Cowbell will be throwing a double record release party with Spanglish, NYC’s only full-time Latin boogaloo operation, on February 16th at Zebulon in Brooklyn. Make sure you order “Single Payer” from Super Hi-Fi’s website or Electric Cowbell Records. It is also available at Academy Records and Earwax Records in Williamsburg. Forget chocolate and flowers, if you want to impress your loved one, drop this gem on them. The group has plans to keep releasing 45s, so stay up to date with their facebook page for more information.