Pimps of Joytime have announced their forthcoming album Reachin’ Up, out February 4, 2022, alongside the release of its first single “Lesson.” The single is a perfect teaser for Pimps’ vibrant new full-length album, brimming with frontman and GRAMMY nominated producer Brian J’s trademark kaleidoscopic styles and undeniably funkified dance music. Pimps of Joytime mirror the diversity of their communities through an amalgamation of New Orleans and Bay Area funk elements, juxtaposed with Brooklyn's DIY ethos. The result is an eclectic blend of genres that will appeal to music fans across the board.
“The process of making this album started in 2019,” Brian J explains. “I was on a bit of a break from Pimps of Joytime and just began laying some grooves and chord progressions down. By the time Covid hit, I had some solid sketches in place, and with my newly found free-time, I dug-in on refining those recordings. I am very excited for this album to get out there into the world! A spirit of love and exaltation was my guiding influence throughout the creative process, and it is my hope that folks will come away with that feeling after listening.”
Wrapped in feel-good vibrations, “Lesson” lyrics reveal a deeper meaning of letting go of the things in life that continue to hold you back. The song is a hard-hitting dance track laced with soaring psychedelic undertones that fully encapsulates this new post-modern era of electronic music.
“The majority of the lyrics of Lesson were written in a stream consciousness, in the studio. I later did some refining and editing with the help of Carol C. I am pretty much offering myself advice in and through the song. Realizing some things never get resolved, you just gotta let it all go, Buddha style!” Brian J explains.
Though Brian J handles a sizable portion of writing, instrumentation, and production, this sizzling new Pimps elixir also incorporates crucial contributions from Carol C (Si*Sé), and several performances from New Mastersounds bassist Pete Shand. Though a decidedly-fresh start for this long-running, genre-blurring collective, Reachin’ Up also pays tribute to their past. Brian J reconnects with old friends like Chauncey Yearwood and Marcus Farrar (Antibalas), whose roots trace back to Pimps of Joytime’s earliest efforts. Their contributions are prominently featured on the album’s singles, bringing the project full circle.
Splitting time between Brooklyn and New Orleans and honing his craft as an accomplished live performer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Brian J is no stranger to working with legendary talent in both studio and live settings. He’s produced a number of celebrated Crescent City artists including Cyril Neville (The Neville Brothers) and Corey Henry, and shared the stage with George Porter Jr., Zigaboo Modeliste, and the late Art Neville (The Meters), as well as Big Easy legend Eddie Bo. Brian J has collaborated with GRAMMY Award-nominated blues artist Cedric Burnside (grandson of legendary blues musician R.L. Burnside), and written with jazz-funk luminary Roy Ayers, among others.
Exclusive merchandise alongside vinyl & CDs are available for pre-order now, click HERE to shop.
Reachin’ Up Track Listing:
Lesson
Reachin’ Up featuring Marcus Farrar (in Antibalas)
Are You Gonna?
Paradise featuring Carol C
One Time Around
All I Have featuring Pete Shand and Will Woodlock
Unity featuring Chauncey Yearwood
Giving You My Heart
Empty Page
Another Lesson
Pimps of Joytime Tour Dates:
Oct 15 - Nectar Lounge - Seattle, WA
Oct 16 - Aladdin Theater - Portland, OR
Dec 28 - Sweetwater - Mill Valley, CA
Dec 29 - Sweetwater - Mill Valley, CA
Dec 30 - Crystal Bay Casino - Crystal Bay, NV
Dec 31 - Crystal Bay Casino - Crystal Bay, NV
Jan 1 - Crystal Bay Casino - Crystal Bay, NV
Jan 25 - Intimate Incident with String Cheese - Jamaica
Jan 26 - Intimate Incident with String Cheese - Jamaica
Jan 27 - Intimate Incident with String Cheese - Jamaica
Jan 28 - Intimate Incident with String Cheese - Jamaica
Jan 29 - Intimate Incident with String Cheese - Jamaica
