(HUDSON, N.Y.) – Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds bring their old-school, horn-inflected soul and R&B to Club Helsinki Hudson on Friday, May 31, 2013, at 9pm. The Brooklyn-based, eight-piece outfit, fronted by Catskill Mountains native Arleigh Kincheloe aka Sister Sparrow, and featuring her brother Jackson Kincheloe on harmonica and cousin Bram Kincheloe on drums, plays a gritty, Southern style of soul that’s been garnering raves for its live appearances at festivals including Bonnaroo, Mountain Jam, Gathering of the Vibes, moe.down, and the Voodoo Experience, as well as shared appearances with Counting Crows, Avett Brothers, Govt’ Mule, Rebirth Brass Band and Donald Fagen.
As heard on its most recent album, “Pound of Dirt,” the Dirty Birds’ unique blend of R&B combines influences from deep soul to James Brown-style party-funk to Jamaican ska and reggae. Sister Sparrow has drawn comparisons to Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse for her powerful, raspy vocals and dynamic stage presence.
In addition to Jackson and Bram Kincheloe, the latter who has toured and recorded extensively as a jazz drummer, sharing stages with Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove and Lee Konitz, members of the group include guitarist Sasha Brown, a graduate of Berklee College of Music; bassist Josh Myers, who has played alongside such jazz greats as John Scofield, Kenny Werner, Ralph Alessi and Wayne Krantz; saxophonist Brian Graham, a native of Bennington, Vt., who has shared stages with John Popper (Blues Traveler), Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), the Soul Rebels Brass Band, and Big Sam’s Funky Nation; trombonist Ryan Snow and trumpeter Phil Rodriguez.
“They may be from Brooklyn, but the fiery brass- and gospel-infused funk emanating from Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds is rooted in Memphis soul. Their rhythmic wheelhouse combines big-city grit and down-home sweetness with a little bit of Americana twang.” – LA Times
For reservations in The Restaurant or in the club call 518-828-4800. For the most up to date concert information visit Club Helsinki Hudson