Soulful crooner Mayer Hawthorne and hip-hop production mainstay Jake One are back as Tuxedo. The duo’s third studio album, III, is now out via their own Funk on Sight imprint, and they arrive at Seattle’s Showbox August 17th as part of a North American tour.
Tuxedo was conceived in 2015 out of shared love between the two of late 70’s and early 80’s-era funk music. Think of the Dazz Band, Cameo, or Parliament, with heavy amounts of West Coast G-Funk sprinkled in, the latter coming courtesy of both artist’s formative roots in rap music. The blend of Hawthorne’s falsetto vocals and Jake One’s drum and synthesizer-laced production results in a smooth, dance-and-party-friendly sound.
Jake One has a long, distinguished resume. His hip-hop production credits span more than twenty years and multiple solo albums. One’s collaborators have included the likes of De la Soul, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and J. Cole. Hawthorne made his name crafting Motown-inspired soul sides. He boasts four solo albums, a Grammy nomination, and some high-profile features, collaborations, and remixes of his own.
On III, Tuxedo expands on their breezy party vibes. Opening track and lead single “The Tuxedo Way” is dance-floor-ready, with a catchy guitar hook and catchier chorus; “The funk is here to stay/I’ll toast to that/Its the Tuxedo Way/I’ll toast to that.” The bouncy g-funk persists throughout III. On “Gabriel’s Groove,” a drum clap pairs nicely with a synth loop and harmonized vocal chorus. For the uptempo “On a Good One,” Hawthorne channels Nile Rodgers’ rhythmic guitar strums over a backing drumbeat. Across eleven tracks and features with Dam-Funk, MF DOOM, Benny Sings, and others, III defies you not to dance or at least bob your head.
Stream Tuxedo’s “III” On All Platforms
Apple Music | SoundCloud
In concert, Tuxedo delivers a sweaty, fun-filled dance party. Backup vocals, live keys, and rhythm guitar round out the touring setup. Energy levels stay high during their performances. Topping things off, One and Hawthorne appear exclusively in, you guessed it, their best vintage formal wear. It’s truly fitting for Tuxedo’s elegant brand of funk.
Tuxedo’s “III” is available via their own label ‘Funk on Sight’. Tickets for their August 17th performance at the Showbox are available at www.axis.com | $22.50 + fees
