scientific map
Chicago’s Scientific Map features four musicians from diverse backgrounds whose roots lie in gospel, hip hop, jazz, and rock. Led by guitarist Matt Hudson, the band members effortlessly blend their individual styles with elements of Afrobeat, funk, fusion, new groove, nu-jazz, and psychedelia. Determined to make original music, this band really does sound original because they sound like themselves: four musicians who use their individuality to create a collective individual known as Scientific Map. The result is at once urban and entertaining.
“Modern yet smooth, accessible, funk-inflected atmospheric jazz with occasional urban undertones.”
- Erie Times-News
“Laden with polished licks and fusion grooves.”
- Pittsburgh City Paper
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Discography
Power to the Babies ICR004 new release!
Produced by acclaimed house/electronica artist Anthony Nicholson, the debut recording by Chicago genre-busters Scientific Map is a bold statement of the New Chicago Sound.
Moving between Afrobeat, funk, fusion, hip hop, new groove, nu-jazz, psychedelia, and R&B, "Power to the Babies" could only have been recorded in Chicago. Its stylistic fluency is a result of the varied artistic demands placed on musicians in such a culturally diverse city.
Bandleader/guitarist Matt Hudson describes the musical vision of the new album: “We’re now experiencing the end of genre. Information from around the world is travelling to us so quickly that we’re constantly exposed to new cultural and musical ideas. Musicians can’t help but be influenced by this. If they’re open-minded enough, the result is a cohesive, genreless sound that is fresh and new.”
Throughout the album, Matt Hudson’s playing demonstrates an innovative and nuanced re-imagining of jazz guitar that is influenced as much by Wes Montgomery as by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. This stylistic diversity is reflected in the range of guest artists featured throughout, including rock’n’roll saxophonist Aaron Getsug (Hi-Fi & the Roadburners) and Pittsburgh R&B vocalist Gene Stovall.