Bridging both genres and generations with original music steeped in the history of its influences, Hood Smoke’s sonic narrative illustrates timeless stories using beautifully simple melodies set to a rhythmic foundation built firmly from the bass up.
Since the release of their debut album, Laid Up In Ordinary (2012), Chicago’s Hood Smoke has continued to narrow the gap between retro and modern sounds in a unique and sincere way.
The band is a tour de force whose past and present members have performed with Quincy Jones, Earth, Wind & Fire, Koko Taylor, Rhymefest, Nick Lowe, Chris Thile, and Umphrey’s Mcgee.
With their second album, Regular Neurotic (2014), the band began its collaboration with producer and engineer Anthony Gravino. The record’s anthem “Never Suffering” gained the band recognition from American Songwriter and the Chicago Sun-Times declared Hood Smoke a “must-see act.”
With their third release Rough Around The Hedges (2016), which Newcity described as “whip-smart jazz-funk-fusion” whose “lyrics are top-notch throughout,” Doherty proved his prolificacy as a composer and lyricist. 2016 also marked the band’s first national tour as they wooed audiences at large rock festivals and intimate jazz clubs, alike.
The band’s fourth album, Cannonball Porch, will be released by Chicago indie label Ears & Eyes Records via digital download and on vinyl and CD on Friday, Feb 23 2018 and was advanced by the single “Depending on the Fool” and its accompanying music video.
Hood Smoke has also been featured on or at Midwest Action, Beehive Candy, WXRT’s Local Anesthetic, WKQX’s DEMO 312, WLUW, Vocalo, CHIRP, Power of Pop, Daytrotter, Chicago Magazine and Independent Clauses.
Glide is very proud to premiere Cannonball Porch in its entirety below. The ten songs entangle shreds of edgy jazz passages, soulful groove flourishes and a rhythmic rock foundation that makes Hood Smoke a complete revolving door listen. From the TV on the Radio worldly rock of “Feel Lost,” to the soul fusion of “Porcelain Flowers” and the late 70’s Stevie Wonder slinky funk of “Blue Janie,” Hood Smoke covers all the bases and then some….
