RODNEY BLOCK
7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Joint. $10-$15.
Trumpeter Rodney Block is without a doubt one of the hardest working musicians in the state. The Dumas native and his band The Real Music Lovers gig all the time, playing a brand of hip-hop-infused jazz and soul, as well as other styles.
Block and crew recently played a salsa night at The Joint and this week sees the release of his album “Steel.” It’s 10 tracks that draw from a number of genres while maintaining a seamless listening experience.
Check out how the laid-back groove of “Pay Yo Rent On Time” (featuring Block’s fluid trumpet weaving around guest 607‘s rhymes) flows easily into the sultry “Kiss Me Right … There.” The title track has a great slow-burn ’70s funk feel propelled by Block’s lyrical playing and the vintage organ sounds conjured by Dell Smith and Rod Cole.
Over the last few months, there’s been a wealth of excellent albums released by Arkansas artists and “Steel” is among the best of them. This show will be hosted by Fox 16’s Donna Terrell. You can pick the album up at the show for $10, or order online through CD Baby or iTunes.