For 20 years, The Greyboy Allstars have been instrumental in defining acid jazz and funk music.
Keeping true to their own artistic pursuits, having fun and ignoring trends has allowed them to become living legends in their own right.
“We really exist in our own bubble,” keyboard player Robert Walker says. “I don’t think any of us are trying too hard to stay current or whatever. Sometimes the style shifts a little when we get bored of playing a certain way, but that always comes from us, not some attempt to keep up with what else is happening in music.”
The band came together in 1994, when individual members were invited to jam at DJ Greyboy’s “Freestylin” record release party.
The group gelled so well at the spontaneous event that they decided to continue performing as The Greyboy Allstars, with DJ Greyboy acting more as a curator than an actual band member.
The improvisational nature of the band’s formation is reflected in the free-flowing groove tones that have made The Greyboy Allstars a must-see live show for generations of fans.
“Improvisation has always been our asset,” Walker says. “It allows us to keep the music in the moment even when we are playing some of the older tunes. Lately, though, we have been focusing more on composition. I think we just wanted some different kinds of vehicles to improvise around.”
They’re playing their first Savannah show fresh off the release of their first album in six years, “Inland Emperor.” For April’s acclaimed release, Walker and bandmates Karl Denson (horns, vocals), Chris Stillwell (bass), Elgin Park (guitars, vocals) and Aaron Redfield (drums) took their time and recorded a batch of songs to select from for the final cut.
“Usually we have recorded really fast and just put all the tunes on the album,” Walker explains.
“We experimented with different things and figured out what we wanted to be doing next. Also, this is our first album with our drummer Aaron Redfield. He has been playing with the band live for some time, but it was nice to have him on these tunes from their conception.”
It’s only The Greyboy Allstars’ fourth record — something Walker attributes to the project’s longevity.
“I think when a band has been going so long, it’s important for everyone to have time to work on other music and just live their lives. We never get together because it’s a chore. I think we just wait until we are inspired to make music together again.”
IF YOU GO
What: SCAD New Alumni Concert with Gringo Star, The Greyboy Allstars and Mayer Hawthorne
When: 7:30 p.m. May 31
Where: Forsyth Park
Cost: Free