WAR Brings Its Iconic Jazzy Funk to Seattle

We all know the funky, rhythmic beat associated with popular American songs "Low Rider" and "The Cisco Kid." Starting this Thursday night at Jazz Alley, the L.A.-based band WAR brings these songs and more to Seattle for four nights of shows.

WAR was originally created in the late 1960s by Jerry Goldstein and Eric Burdon, two members from English band The Animals. Although Burdon eventually left the group, it wasn't before WAR and their jazzy R&B sounds became cultural music icons of the '60s and '70s. Since the band was prominent during America's troubles with Vietnam, Watergate, and a host of social issues, the music of WAR came to represent symbols of peace and togetherness for those living through those times of tension. But even for those relatively new to WAR's sound, the smooth, funky beats sound as fresh and modern as when they were first recorded, proving they won't be forgotten any time soon.

WAR's current lineup includes Lonnie Jordan (singer/keyboardist), Fernando Harkless (saxophone/vocals), Marcos J. Reyes (percussion), Stuart Ziff (lead guitar), Sal Rodriguez (drums/vocals), Pancho Tomaselli (bass guitar, vocals), and Mitch Kashmar (harmonica/vocals). They will be playing all-ages shows for four nights at Dimitriou's Jazz Alley beginning this Thursday.

January 27-30, set times vary // Dimitriou's Jazz Alley // tickets $35