Bonobo at Showbox Market Tonight

For those of you who aren't into primatology like we are, the bonobo is a species of chimpanzee. While your commonplace chimp is an aggressive, antagonistic bundle of male chauvinism and violence; the bonobo, on the other hand, is a peace-loving, female-respecting soul who loves to have sex--for fun and as a conflict resolution strategy. This is a perfect analogy for the music of Bonobo, the downtempo, jazz/funk/soul influenced project of UK-based musician/ producer Simon Green.

While you may not actively know the music of Bonobo, you have likely heard it before as Green's songs have been featured in countless commercials, TV shows, video games, and movies. Green has been captivating audiences and critics with his smooth, chill, beat-driven music since his debut release, Animal Magic, in 2000. The multi-instrumentalist/ DJ mastermind behind Bonobo utilizes a wide variety of samples in his music combined with heavy, often complex bass lines and expansive horn arrangements to create epic multi-layered atmospheres infused with soul and funk.

In his most recent release, Black Sands, Green's progression from largely sample-based production to more live instrumentation is total. Since Green plays most instruments himself during recording, so he employs a band to bring his soundscapes to life on the road. The live ensemble includes horns, strings, woodwinds, and drums with Green on bass guitar leading the group. Frequent Bonobo collaborator, Andreya Triana, will flesh out the performance, providing soulful vocals for a number of songs.

8 p.m. // Showbox at the Market // $25