Chicago progressive metal/jazz fusion act Sons of Ra proudly present their latest song, “Upstart,” along with a computer-animated music video produced and directed by Chuck Clybourne. The new song is from Sons of Ra’s latest full-length record, Standard Deviation, which was released through Free Electric Sound Records earlier this year.
Watch the video here:
The band share their thoughts:
Saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield shares his thoughts:
“This song was so much fun to record. We loved this song, that is why we chose it. As much as I personally enjoy jazz fusion, I enjoy the inspiration behind jazz fusion more. I would say the same thing about third stream. This song has the inspiration of jazz fusion and third stream without being either one of those. I believe our arrangement stayed true to that but with our stamp.”
Guitarist Erik Oldman Vecchione also states:
“‘Upstart’ is a tune with some very distinct intersections of some of the things we like about jazz, avant garde, and third stream music. It swings like a hard bop tune, it’s in odd meter, but doesn’t feel clumsy. It’s dissonant and abstract but also has a prominent blues feel. We wanted to try our hand at arranging something that could be played with a larger ensemble that balances our sensibilities with a colossal big band swagger.”
Tour Dates:
5/29/2025 Bantha Tea Bar – Pittsburgh, PA
5/30/2025 Orion Studios – Baltimore, MD w/ Konjur Collective, Derek Torsani
5/31/2025 Parts and Labor – Melvindale, MI w/ Belling the Tiger
6/12/2025 Hyphenated Jazz Series @ Val’s Halla – Oak Park, IL
6/14/2025 Punk Rock Tacos: International Taco Fest @ LiveWire Lounge – Chicago, IL
10/03/225 Musica – Akron, OH
10/04/2025 Ghost Light – Hamtramck, MI
10/22/2025 Kankakee Arts Co-Lab – Kankakee, IL
Get Standard Deviation here.
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Photo courtesy of Sons of Ra
