Members
Select a Lafayette Afro Rock Band band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Lafayette Afro Rock Band is a pioneering musical group known for their dynamic fusion of funk, Afrobeat, soul jazz, and jazz funk. Originally formed in Long Island, New York, the band relocated to Paris in the early 1970s, seeking a unique musical landscape. The core members consisted of Larry Jones (guitar), Lafayette Hudson (bass), Frank Abel (keyboards), Ronnie James Buttacavoli (horns), Arthur Young (horns), Ernest "Donny" Donable (drums), Keno Speller (percussion), and Arthur Young (percussion). As they evolved, their music became heavily influenced by African rhythms, resonating with the multicultural atmosphere of Paris. Lafayette Afro Rock Band is celebrated for their intricate grooves and has become a staple in the world of sampling, influencing a myriad of hip-hop and R&B artists.
How to Sound Like Lafayette Afro Rock Band
To emulate the sound of Lafayette Afro Rock Band, musicians should focus on creating a rich, rhythmic tapestry that blends the percussive energy of Afrobeat with the deep grooves of funk. The band's sound is characterized by tight, interlocking rhythms where the drums and percussion play a central role, delivering a driving yet intricate beat. Horn sections provide powerful bursts of melody, often with a brassy, slightly raw tone, while the guitar and bass lay down syncopated, funky lines that are both melodic and rhythmic. Keyboards add a layer of harmonic depth, often employing jazz-inspired chord progressions. The use of analog effects such as wah-wah pedals and vintage amplifiers can help achieve the raw, organic sound that defines their recordings. Additionally, embracing live, improvisational elements will capture the spontaneous and energetic vibe that was a hallmark of their performances.
