Cross the afrofuturistic big band jazz of the Sun Ra Arkestra with the deep grooves and party mentality of Parliament Funkadelic and you get Golden Dawn Arkestra. Under the guidance of bandleader Topaz McGarrigle, known in Golden Dawn world as Zapot Mgwana, (organ, vocals, tenor sax), the avant-garde afrofunk troupe has assembled a cultish following throughout the music scene of their hometown, Austin, Texas. The movement is spreading, however, as just this past Thursday, February 8th, the Arkestra and their followers would descend upon Brooklyn to hold their debut New York City performance.
With the opening band a no-show, the nearly full house was more than ready for some live music when the scent of burning sage filled the air and the Golden Dawn band members appeared, snaking their way through the audience in a single file procession. Adorned in shimmering ceremonial robes and ornamental headdresses, the collective wielded a powerfully enamoring presence and after thoroughly cleansing the stage with sage smoke, they dove into their hour long set with “Osaka”. It quickly became clear that the GDA’s reputation had preceded itself as the charged crowd burst into a full blown dance party, getting down to the infectiously catchy pseudo-asian guitar hook and towering horn section lead while chanting along with the call and responses style vocals. Later in the show, a clearly elated Topaz (Zapot) would even remark that this was “one of the best first-time crowds” despite what people may say about New Yorkers being tightly wound.
Riding the wave of momentum, they transitioned into the drum and bass-oriented contemporary disco of “Spacewaves” before embarking into the heavy, synth-driven groove of “Afropocalypse”. With its epic quality and soaring, ethereal vocals from vibraphonist Isis of Devices, the song was a definitive highlight of the performance, displaying the Arkestra’s knack for creating danceable and simultaneously wholly psychedelic arrangements.
Percussionist Lost Face would serve as the group’s backbone, laying down impeccable, fully filled-out rhythms for the entirety of their set. The funky drummer led the Arkestra through standout numbers like “The Wolf”- GDA’s self proclaimed “fight song” and most rocking of the evening, “Stargazer”- title track to their 2016 sophomore release with its drifting, Coltrane-inspired sax introduction and dream pop sound, and “Sama Chaka”- another pulsating dance floor burner that kept the enraptured crowd’s feet moving.
Following the encore, a selection from their upcoming album with a slinky latin beat, the Golden Dawn Arkestra would make their triumphant exit as they had entered, parading through the room like a New Orleans second line brass band.
2 Responses
Saw this band at a festival 18 months ago, and was hooked. Great show, and their music makes me feel good. Do not miss the Golden Dawn Arkestra when they play your town.
“All praise Ra” Long live GDA!