Snarky Puppy - Belmont (Empire Central)

Snarky Puppy - Belmont
From Snarky Puppy's new album, Empire Central (September 2022, GroundUP Music)
Buy/Stream: orcd.co/empirecentral
Written by Michael League
Arranged by Michael League and Snarky Puppy
Bob Lanzetti - Electric guitar
Mark Lettieri - Electric guitar
Chris McQueen - Electric guitar
Justin Stanton - Wurlitzer and Prophet 10
Bobby Sparks - Hammond B3 organ and ARP String Ensemble
Bill Laurance - Yamaha CP70 electric piano and Fender Rhodes Mark 8
Shaun Martin - Mellotron and Korg Kronos
Zach Brock - Violin (Solo)
Mike “Maz” Maher - flugelhorn
Jay Jennings - Flugelhorn
Chris Bullock - Tenor sax and flute
Bob Reynolds - Tenor
Michael League - Electric bass
Nate Werth - Percussion
Keita Ogawa - Percussion
Marcelo Woloski - Percussion
Jason “JT” Thomas - Drum set
Larnell Lewis - Drum set
Jamison Ross - Drum set
Jep Jorba - Director / camera operator
David Bretones - Director of Photography / camera operator
Brad Holt - Line producer / camera operator
Andrew Redd - Gaffer / camera operator
Chris Brian - Camera operator
Ranjani Groth - Camera operator
Jun Kang - Camera operator
Emily Holt - Camera operator
Reid Walker - Dolly operator
Joseph Fisher - Dolly Operator
Produced by Michael League
Co-produced by Snarky Puppy
Engineered by Nic Hard, Matt Recchia, and Michael Harrison
Engineering assisted by Skyler Childress, Michael League, and Shakthi Prasad KT
Mixed by Nic Hard
Mastered by Dave McNair
Recorded and filmed March 3-10, 2022, at Deep Ellum Art Company in Dallas, Texas, USA
Mixed March 15 - April 7, 2022, at Estudi Vint in Els Prats de Rei, Catalonia, Spain
Photography by Brian Friedman and Jep Jorba
Video edited by Michael League and Jep Jorba
Film consulting by Andy LaViolette
Production managed by Rosanna Freedman
Project managed by Jamie Margulies
Stage assembled by Mason Davis, Matt Recchia, Rosanna Freedman, and Michael Harrison
Graphic design by Claire Morales
Managed by Mike Chadwick Management
Follow Snarky Puppy
Facebook: / snarkypuppy
Twitter: / realsnarkypuppy
Instagram: / snarkypuppy
Website: snarkypuppy.com
Follow GroundUP Music
Facebook: / groundupmusicworld
Twitter: / groundupmusicny
Instagram: / groundupmusicny
Website: groundupmusic.net

[@briangay9156]

So many groups can jam, play in the pocket, and be super funky, but Snarky Puppy can do all that AND whip out a soulful, beautiful, sensitive palate of sounds like this as well, all while maintaining the same crispy musicianship they have in their groovier tunes. The contrast and variety on this album is gonna be on point.

[@WelcomeToJ]

Well. said.

[@David-iv6je]

How many groups can do this in alternating bars of 6 and 4?

[@michaelsenn68]

@@David-iv6je I had to just do 10/8 in my head to figure this out playing it on repeat in the car.

[@David-iv6je]

@@michaelsenn68 Their ability to groove in odd time signatures is amazing. I tried to count this in 5s and couldn't. It really is 6 and 4, or at least that's how I hear it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoLSYoF8rLKbeKM&ab_channel=GroundUPMusicNYC Listen to this one, Outlier. Alternative bars of 6 and 9. Then listen to this transition: at 1.07 they extend the 9 to 10, then shorten the 9 to 8 coming out of the section. Straight 6s in the bridge. Incredible> You don't really even notice unless you are counting.

[@andrewxu3602]

Like the difference between Jambone and Kite!

[@BoardGameDave]

I teach elementary general music (K-6) and I’ll often show my kids Snarky Puppy videos as they come into class or when we talk about improvisation! So many brilliant musicians in one place… absolutely lovely music. 🤍

[@DuftCloudly]

This could also be, in a very very simple way, a foot in the door to counting odd meter time… very few, repeating patterns that are fun to keep up with considering how often it changes

[@BoardGameDave]

@@DuftCloudly That’s true! This is a funky track to count along to!

[@JonTorrence]

YES! Me too! Also, when teaching about feel, I’ll use something like the outro to ‘Binky’ to convey something!! Love to hear that people are showing this stuff to kids 👊🏾. They for sure can handle and enjoy high information music!!

[@ondolite3789]

Wow! What a way to work. Sounds like some serious fun.

[@peterhorgan3214]

It’s an absurd amount of talent in one room

[@marcom.]

This has to be the best musical group in the world.

[@nanakwameacheampong4779]

I love Mark's face when the violinist starts shredding 😄

[@TheRomichou]

the sound engineer (s?) is a jedi master of his/her field. I can hear every single instrument, percussion, strings, even the small cracks of the instruments. pure joy to listen to with a good pair of headphones

[@pavel-gubanov]

Every acoustic instrument is surrounded by few microphones of different type. Probably, different sensitivity to mix later. I'm impressed of Nic Hard and his colleagues work!

[@josephkarl2061]

I'll be doing just that before I go to sleep tonight. I've invested a sum of money in a decent pair of headphones and a DAC, and this is the reason why 👍

[@no1DdC]

May I suggest adding a feedback device to your setup? Even a cheap and simple one like an Aura Interactor from the '90s (about 50 bucks on ebay) massively enhances the experience in combination with a solid pair of closed studio headphones. You can feel the instruments instead of just hearing them.

[@KarlMarcus8468]

was coming to say the same thing. I bet good headphones would be even better but I got a decent little audio rig and it is nuts how well this is mixed, and live too. Saw them live at a medium sized venue and it was killer too, the musicians get all the credit (and they are damn good) but a good engineer gets you from great to incredible.

[@ChunkyLover69420]

you can just say 'their'

[@dannyatuhix7036]

In his own LEAGUE of genius, Michael LEAGUE What a composition!

[@HarrisTrevorJ]

Love the way that all the kids have such AWESOME side projects, but when Dad calls them home, they all return to do magic!

[@JoseVazquez-wp4rb]

😂

[@GameNationRDF]

wake up babe new snarky puppy dropped

[@michaelchimenti4989]

This is quite possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. Just transcendent.

[@zotatuajes9421]

Totally agree, it's so colourful and unique, makes me shiver everytime

[@itzKingIzzo2U]

We agree ❤❤

[@olbill70]

For sure! Also the Groundup 2023 version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3rQq6aOZ7pphtU

[@bernarddominicdbernard5439]

I don’t want or wish to play for snarky puppy I just want to sit in the studio and close my eyes while the play, please make my dream come true @GroundUp Music...🙏🏾

[@GEORGE_WARD]

That distorted violin gave me chills. Zach Brock's perfect for this track, it's always cool to hear Snarky Puppy's more compositional stuff

[@tordana]

I got to chat with Zach for a good 20-30 minutes after a Snarky Puppy show a couple years ago, he stuck around for a super long time just hanging out with me and a couple friends in the audience. Super nice guy, great to see him featured on this track.

[@mikaelmusiker]

Pat Metheny on violin. Great stufff!

[@DennisDeMille]

I never thought that I would ever be moved so much by a violin solo with a jazz performance. Snarky Puppy never fail to amaze me with their innovation and endless musicality. Its almost criminal that mainstream media and radio seem to ignore their music. This is literally the greatest band on earth right now and this needs to be recognized. I've got my tickets for the Bristol 02 Arena gig ...can't wait!

[@nicktaylor9691]

Totally agree with all of this...so pumped for the Bristol gig...see you there!

[@HarrisonHoude]

Another grammy winning album no doubt. Can't wait for the entire release.

[@nateworzel6044]

Snarky puppy is the new equivalent to the Miles Davis Quartet. Whoever plays in Snarky Puppy you know is an up and coming star in the Jazz scene.

[@GAGALDUGEM]

audio engineer must get a grammy award for this !

[@thepatternplayback]

Snarky Puppy live is so good you forget it's live.

[@iannye6054]

Always impressed by how broad a soundscape Snarky can produce. Engineering, writing, and execution at it's finest.

[@agustinbenitez6745]

Had a chance to catch Snarky Puppy live for the third time two weeks ago in Argentina. While previous gigs were as amazing as this one, the fact that they came down with Zach Brock on violin, just augmented the experience to a whole other level. This song is a clear example of the great flavor he adds to their already rich, varied and overall wonderful sound. Here's to many more SP gigs!!

[@bneum]

Snarky Puppy are like one living organism. Everything in its proper place, performing its proper function. There are solos at times, but they are never detached from the whole body of sound. Living, breathing, moving all together. Every organ has its own part to play, some more subtle than others, but no one thing steals the show. THEY are the show. THAT is talent. Each individual masterfully contributing to one great whole, for unity, not singularity. But to be so in tune, as a band, that is mastery in and of itself.

[@derekauth157]

That description brought me to actual tears

[@bneum]

@@derekauth157 Haha why thank you. 🙏🏼

[@raimundoarce7014]

Dude... I am a biochemist... Very touchy indeed... Straight to the soul...

[@olbill70]

About a half hour ago I posted a comment about SP being an organism instead of an organization.

[@bneum]

@@olbill70 Great minds think alike ;)

[@brahmwilliams5943]

The crazy things about Snarky Puppy are, the skills and chemistry are so excellent they don't need paper sheets to play any complicated music. And they still could deliver top notch experience to the listeners. Must be so lucky to be there, sit and enjoy the live show. The sound engineer are also talented!

[@miniclipz6451]

I think they use for practice

[@likewavesboston]

...and not only did the bassist write the song but also mixed the music alongside the engineer at his studio is Spain!

[@brahmwilliams5943]

@@likewavesboston Michael is blessed

[@c3N3q]

@@miniclipz6451 that is a big Yes.

[@erikadavis4696]

Thank God for the algorithm I'm in. Sublime.....

[@santibentivegna]

what stands out the most is the ability of the sound engineer to make everything heard perfectly, being for me the best audio quality that can be in digital platforms

[@DukeLetoIII]

Listening to this with a pair of Sennheiser HD800S's and a Schiit Bifrost 2 DAC + Jotunheim headphone amp = sublime.

[@henryt9731]

Me listening with a Holo Spring 2 KTE, Leak Stereo 20 and a pair of Meze Empyreans 🤯

[@terrymiller111]

Nic Hard

[@DukeLetoIII]

@@henryt9731 Ouch. You certainly got me beat.

[@Baha2490]

Me listening with HD600, and a simple audio interface which you could not differentiate from your fancy DACs and amps. Stop buying into the audiophile bullshit, buy an A/B audio switch and blind test equipment with a friend, you'll be surprised.

[@VitorAlmeida90]

Thank you Snarky Puppy, for keeping Pat Metheny Group's legacy alive and fresh! Hope to see you soon again in Portugal.

[@joshlovegood9392]

Just when you thought Snarky had done it all..

[@henryt9731]

Snarky Puppy must be in every audiophiles playlist. Holy smokes the clarity of the mix 🤯

[@WhisperingPeace]

Man, that violin solo brought me to tears. Just something so transcendent and moving when musicians let go and play from the depths of their souls. Powerful, beautiful, amazing. ❤

[@gotoulfila]

when I heard this for the 1st time at this session in Dallas I got goosebumps - one of these rare songs that stirs emotions and memories

[@nicholasmuleme2355]

Snarky puppy never disappoint is my first thought when i heard this.

[@benjaminwhitacre2122]

everyone been giving credit to the amazing audio guys/gals, but not to the insane camera crew. Much love to all these people for giving us these vids Jep Jorba - Director / camera operator David Bretones - Director of Photography / camera operator Brad Holt - Line producer / camera operator Andrew Redd - Gaffer / camera operator Chris Brian - Camera operator Ranjani Groth - Camera operator Jun Kang - Camera operator Emily Holt - Camera operator Reid Walker - Dolly operator Joseph Fisher - Dolly Operator ❤❤❤❤

[@ShawnTheDriver]

Being into video myself, I’m so glad you pointed this out. This crew is amazing!

[@michaelsevens]

You're Awesomesmerizingly Fantastically... AWESOMEBALLS... I mean this in the best way too... You are correct, Sir... appreciate you pointing this out...

[@pocabromaproduccions2]

oh man, I really appreciate your comment! For me it was a HUGE responsability to direct the mitical Snarky Puppy video after the great work of Andy Laviolette. Thank you!

[@trevorjohnson8142]

@@pocabromaproduccions2 Amazing work! Everything looks beautiful.

[@trent_burns]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@samuellevy8407]

Nostalgic, nocturnal, and nourishing. Great work!

[@SeanFenlon]

After mastering hard-charging/ensemble-power-driven compositions, Mike League is taking his writing skillz to the next level IMHO with expressive melodic ballads like Belmont here. Mike's sense of purpose-driven melody and form have always been world class. And Zach Brock is ABSOLUTELY the perfect soloist for this composition. BRAVO Mike. BRAVO Zach. BRAVO Snarky Puppy 😎

[@shoottrue5115]

I dare you to listen to this through good headphones. Absolutely amazing engineering.

[@logicalinsanity]

Who would have thought they could make a 6 and a half minute track feel too short?

[@davidchris6011]

This has got to be one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard. It picks me up and takes me away on its magic carpet every time!

[@konradkmiller]

Processing SP can be like trying to wipe dry a swimming pool with a kitchen sponge...It's gonna take a while and require a few iterations.

[@revolug]

micheal league out here creating new emotions

[@jordanfrancisco27]

Yo. For a second there i I thought the melody was being played by a hollow body jazz guitar with a lot of reverb. To my surprise its a CP70 with Bill Laurence on it. Much respecc. ✊💯

[@PeteKowalsky]

OMG - Bill is magical on that Yamaha CP! The fuzz and pitched delay tails on the violin evoke some serious Jean-Luc Ponty vibes that are not lost on me. The whole track is deliciousness. Must. Have. Now! The whole band shines on this - I really could not be more excited to experience the whole album!

[@catherineprince5345]

This was beautiful!!! Listened to it a dozen times, then downloaded on my phone and listened a dozen more! 🥰😍🤗

[@enneff]

It's inspiring how Michael League just went out and created the best job for himself. Beautiful composition, incredible players. AGAIN. Amazing.

[@yawyaws]

this is the kind of violin playing that I've never heard before ... this is amazing I shook

[@xXxchi11xXx]

I recommend you to watch Yanni Live! The Concert Event. I don't know if you can find something with good quality on youtube because it is a little old, but the orquestra on that concert is amazing. The violinists shred!

[@yawyaws]

thank you for the recommendation! I will definitely check it out 😉

[@engineerjmd3]

Need to check out some Jean Luc Ponty.

[@brandonlbartlett]

Look up lily hayden(sp?) Cover of maggot brain. It will blow your mind

[@terrymiller111]

@@engineerjmd3 This guy is definitely giving Ponty props while simultaneously giving him something to worry about. Excellent.

[@CareLESSmAyhem]

Snarky puppy is a gem, world treasure and a legend

[@DennisDeMille]

I feel so blessed to have the greatest band in the world perform nearby in Bristol. 2nd time seeing them now and it won’t be the last. I brought a friend with me who had never heard of Snarky Puppy (thanks to the lack of mainstream radio play) and he was blown away and has been converted to a fan now. Maybe if they do a movie soundtrack, more people would have the pleasure of listening to the greatest band in the world.

[@TJ-gs2sy]

If somebody asked me what the beauty looks like, i'll show them this song.

[@gabrielalourdesvelazquez935]

Wow thanks, i love this, i love life in the moment, the moment when im exist, with this Music

[@cube4547]

This is what love feels like

[@kausikghosh9968]

This Audio Visual Dolby Digital Stereophonic Experience is Unexplainable & Only Could be Realised. Once in a lifetime Magical Performance.

[@Obungle]

Snarky puppy is for sure my most favorite band. I love all of the songs they make and I love their care for every single detail in the song. As much as they can make a song with a funky groove or something fast with an impressive song, I love it most when they create a slower paced song that’s filled with so much beauty, so much passion, and so much emotion. Not only behind the sound, but the improvisation with the solos. This song is a wonderful reminder of why I love this band so much, and I’m excited for what their next album will be like

[@jaxonellis2995]

How crazy bad is a band when you've got Shawn and Larnell sitting back in the cut playing second? That's what I'm talking bout. The Puppy!!!

[@thevinylist]

The arrangements on this album are absolutely Amazing!!!!!!!

[@ELDLtenors]

That was an extraordinarily unique piece of music. That violin solo was pushing boundaries. Nice stuff.

[@bryandickerson5365]

Ahhhh sooo gorgeous and the violin solo was brilliant! Once again I’m reminded that this band and all the musicians in it are such gifts to this world. Thanks y’all that made my day!

[@barbierash2137]

some of my greatest musical moments and experiences in the early 00's were the hangs after the Gazellig club jams on lower Greenville ave. and going back to Mikes house on BELMONT and hanging with Nard and all the crew, while Mike would cook us spaghetti and we would all talk music, philosophy, life and jazz! Treasured memories forever in the days of germination of what is know known as the "Dallas sound" R.I.P NARD 4 EVER LOVED!!!

[@whatsmyageagain91]

This is just magical, literally. Everything.

[@laurasgone]

3:25 you can always tell a legendary violin solo is about to start by those screechy violin noises

[@JoseVazquez-wp4rb]

Indeed! That solo was magical and haunting altogether

[@Diego24fps]

Larnell can't believe that violin solo by Mr Brock. Just shakin his head.

[@smirkingguru]

The song just melts me. The underlying casual excitement is beyond words...

[@phantasmagram9795]

Snarky Puppy is an amazing example of what great teamwork can accomplish! The writing, performing, recording, and video recording all work together to create these amazing songs. Its not just songs...performances? Videos? Whatever they are, they are more than the sum of their parts. Amazing work as always! Thanks to everyone who put their heart into this one. ❤❤❤💌💌💌💌

[@davidjeffrey5902]

Words don’t do justice in explaining how beautiful this work of art is. I’m currently very sick with the flu, and in the midst of a lot of self reflection and marinating in the themes of my life presented to me front and center during this time, all I had to do was think of this melody to feel a tear run down my face. Michael League and all of Snarky Puppy are doing God’s work in the modern music industry. Bless this band and GroundUP Music.❤❤❤

[@mikiinajijic6763]

This song is mysteriously so beautiful!

[@IndelibleAndy]

That was so smooth I don't even care where the one was.

[@TheBassPanda]

Sound guy : Sooo how many mics do you guys need ? Snarky Puppy : Yes.

[@alexlewisjr.7119]

What a music ! Oh Yeah 🔥❤️

[@johansteenslandmusic3699]

Wow, talk about being in the zone! That focus, that sincerity. Gotta love that.

[@stevewagnet7497]

for sure I love it! this giant ensemble, not a chart of music in front of any player-all in the head and in the soul, ..magic.

[@IndustryPlay360]

You cats are really outta hea!!! Superb musicianship, arranging, songwriting. Stellar.

[@markart3283]

I don't know what I just listen to, but I'm glad this exists!

[@markmark9639]

I saw them at the Granada Theater in Dallas earlier this year. The place was packed and SRO not a butt on a seat as far as I could tell. I got there late no place to sit and my back and legs were killing me, so I grabbed a beer moved around as I drank my beer and then moved outside in front of the building to smoke, some seating of sorts for that purpose. I picked something like a park bench to stretch my leg on the seat and relaxed listening to these guys, easily heard even outside, so soothing and relaxing on a cool night so I just stayed there til it ended. and enjoyed every minute I was there. Hit up the merch table and purchased "We Like It Here" double disc set before I drove back home. Grinning the whole time and awaiting the recording sessions for this album Empire Central, which I was so very fortunate to attend one date of. Can't wait to see myself on the screen right in the middle of these guys, I get that grin on my face every time I think of it, how lucky I was to grab a ticket one of so small a number available and to sit with others right next to me that flew from around the globe, literally around the world, but for a moment they were my neighbors sitting in foldup chairs and wearing headphones together. And not a head was still and not a grin was missing as Snarky Puppy entertained our ears, our senses, our lives. Thank you Michael League and company, thank you.

[@markmark9639]

Damn nice solo Zack...the slow demon himself would appreciate such skill.

[@SathiraKarunathilaka]

Ngl I got goosebumps all over the body

[@augustusmends5191]

The separation in my ears is amazing. Im hearing difference stuff in both ears🤗😌

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Just bliss….such an amazing group!

[@yahnsolo]

.... Oh..My... Ears!! That’s sooo sooo sooo good to listen to!!! That music... That sound... That feeling.... SnarkyPuppy Thank you

[@micahwest4481]

Love the effects with the violin. Another amazing chart!

[@williemammoth11]

Every single note I've heard from this band has been among the best music around. I'm a professional drummer (sometimes ;) ) and these folks are just many next-levels good. Ridiculous.

[@matto9734]

Crazy good again but... what else to expect from them. The sound of the violin is so friggin´ good!!! Props to the camera and sound team, they did wonders once more.

[@chrisneyman]

Snarky Puppy makes me feel so lonely. 😥

[@russellward1202]

This song was an emotional experience for me.

[@mindclip2000]

I feel so sad when i hear this tune, in the same time its a joy for my ears, such a beautiful track, nothing but love to all of ya, there is still hope for music 🙏

[@lifevk7242]

Feels sad and happy at the same time

[@aaronmccoy4838]

just heard this the first time. man. soul.

[@donalias812]

Cinematic snarky puppy mode goes beautiful

[@MrGuigui32]

Wow, thanks for this si cool tune especially with this 10/8 Time signature ...

[@ceboz]

The band is made by simply the best musicians on this genre around, and Micheal League is a f*kin genius!

[@Simeon_Harris]

this is shaping up to be their best album yet, imo. they just seem to have gone up another level (if that was possible!)

[@ninjaduck7726]

Amazing performance. Well done from Belmont, Australia!

[@SayonaraSixString]

Love the violin solo. Haven't heard that kind of rock-fusion-jazz playing since Jean Luc Ponty!

[@zbigniewbecker5080]

Typical Michael - unassuming, subdued, but when hits, it's Snarky to the marrow. Just lovely!

[@brendtallman]

these dudes know how to build a mood.

[@freeversedrummer]

We all just witnessed a masterpiece.

[@engineerjmd3]

Wow, amazing, so many musicians blended so seamlessly into just pure music. And I got some strong Jean Luc Ponty vibes from that solo!

[@alexomell5710]

God blessed mankind to enjoy this masterpiece

[@KJPalmer24]

I could swim in this song

[@davidmurphy5647]

see you all in atlanta in april...on my birthday...i can't wait!!

[@KBNBear]

I am MADLY AND FANATICALLY im LOVE with Michael League!!😍😍😍 OMG he's the reason im learning the bass!

[@makenzileg]

This is definitely one of my favorites from the new album!

[@contrastprinciple4389]

The multiple layers and how everything compliments everything else here is phenomenal.

[@DOComposer]

So much complexity and simple brilliance in a single track. Huge CONGRATS on this album. Can't wait to hear the rest. Super talented group always. :)

[@pyroprince90]

That violin player is really something else. The dynamics have me losing my mind lmao he has such profound control

[@macpdm]

Never heard anybody play a violin like that since Stephane Grapelli. Wonderful all together

[@Debris_Field]

oh man, that violin freaking slaps