New single KWANZAA launches December 26
About art
Art Terry and the Black Bohemians play their own unique and delirious brand of arthouse funk. Art’s songs explore Black politics, sexuality and religion, through a lyrical fusion [gumbo] of African American folklore and hauntological funk. A singer and pianist, Art underpins deeply personal lyrics with dense melodic textures to create conceptual Black music. A prolific songwriter, he created a song a day during 52 days of lockdown, a project which evolved into the Self Isolation Songbook.
Brought up in the gospel tradition, Art evokes the sacred figure of the robed and commanding preacher alongside the profane swagger and bravado of the street-hustling savant in his live performances. Whether playing solo or with the Black Bohemians, his ten-piece ensemble of talented musicians, Art’s live performances are theatrical and compelling.
‘True art. If you ever have the chance to see Art Terry live, definitely go for it – you won’t regret it.’ Discovery Music
reviews
‘The obvious – and – wrong comparison would be Prince. There’s the same confident multi-instrumentalism, preacherish wails, daringly blended back and white song traditions and, above all, the same sex obsession. But while there was something slightly remote and shiny about Prince’s use of innuendo, Los Angeles born Art Terry simply tells it like he see it, a folksy counsellor who comes on with style. Terry is a precious beam of light in a confusing world.’ Brian Morton, The Wire
'Art Terry's playing is terrific.' New York Times
‘Groovy, passionate and colourful are just three words to describe this gig, avoiding the obvious word choice: fantastic.’ Discovery Music
‘Brings the questioning quirky funk of Sly Stone together with the provocative poetry of pathfinder Lou Reed.’ Resonance FM
‘An irrepressibly original and dynamic presence on the British music scene. The wily Californian draws from a deep well of Black music to wade into fresh waters that drown all stereotypes on the blues, gospel, soul, funk and rock. His music has a vivid element of meta-theatre as well as a broad sound palette, and he remains a genre all of his own.’ Kevin LeGendre, BBC Radio 3
Read an interview with Art in Michel Faber’s book Listen.