Toby Pazner–a New Yorker known for his work with Lee Fields & The Expressions–formed the Olympians as a one-off during the 2008 Olympics, but a recent trip to Greece convinced him to hand the torch to the band for an extended run. For its debut, the group features a who’s-who of the neo-soul sound, including members from Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires, the Dap-Kings, the Budos Band, the Arcs, the Tonight Show Band, and more.
The Olympians are classically-inspired, in more ways than one. The album sounds like a lost ’70s blaxploitation film score written by a Greek mythology professor, weaving together Apollo and Neptune with smooth, orchestral soul cues. “Sirens Of Jupiter” kicks off this funky odyssey in epic fashion, parting the clouds with bright horns and harp glissando.
“Sirens Of Jupiter” appears on The Olympians, out October 28 via Daptone.
–Art Levy // host, Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX
