The soulful rock band Black Pumas brought their signature sound to Wolf Trap’s Filene Center on Sunday, July. 28. The Austin, Texas-based band is currently on tour in support of their second studio album, “Chronicles of a Diamond,” released in 2023.
Their first studio album, the eponymous “Black Pumas,” saw the group nominated for a Grammy in 2019 for Best New Artist. The next year, their single “Colors” received Grammy Award nominations for Record of the Year and Best American Roots Performance, while “Black Pumas” received a nomination for Album of the Year.
Helmed by singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada, the band has become known for their dynamic performances, having performed hundreds of times since their formation in 2018, including over 80 shows in 2024 alone.
While lead singer Burton commanded the stage, the backing vocals of Angela Miller and Lauren Cervantes sustained complex vocal harmonies that would’ve been right at home in any gospel choir.
At one point during a conga solo, in an apparent nod to D.C., Burton encouraged his drummer to “Keep me in the pocket” and did a dance very reminiscent of the popular D.C.-based dance “beat ya feet.”
During the set, Burton showed off his performing chops, alternatively enlisting the crowd in call and response to great effect and at some points dancing and singing with crowd members throughout the orchestra section of the Filene Center.
“It feels like soul music at the Wolf Trap,” said Burton. You could tell by the crowd’s roar of agreement that indeed it did.
Source: Washington Informer
