Jahman Brahman/Aqueous/Yosemight

This Columbus-based jam outfit hasn’t picked up as much attention in the community as they likely deserve. The band’s 2010 debut, NewFields, is a cohesive collection of summery funk. Songs like “A Screw Loose (Or So…)” contrast melodically tight verses with wider moments of “shred ’n’ flow,” as the band members have described it. Album opener “Life (Give and Take)” really sets the table nicely, falling back on a simple chord progression accented with delightful keys work and singer Justin Brown’s enthusiastic lyrics. (Tune your ears into the playful tempo games in that one.) Notably, this is also Aqueous’ one Cleveland stop on their fairly massive summer tour. We’ve written about their extraordinary musicianship plenty in the mag, and they come highly recommended. Don’t miss it! (Sandy)