On Thursday evening, August 28, Lafayette Gilchrist and his band, The New Volcanoes performed at Keystone Korner to celebrate the release of their new album “Move With Love.” Recorded live at Baltimore’s Club Car (formerly Windup Space), the album was is the band’s first live album in their 25+ year history.

Keystone Korner, Baltimore’s premier, upscale, jazz and progressive music club and restaurant could not have been a more appropriate venue for the evenings event. In addition to offering a delicious menu, the establishment is laid out to prioritize audience viewing and listening from tables, booths, and elevated high tops. The large stage also is easily able to accommodate a large band such as Gilchrist’s.  

As the musicians came on stage one by one, it soon became the “the who’s-who” in the Baltimore jazz and music community. Then Lafayette took his position front and center, behind a Casio Privia Digital Piano. The nonet also included: Carl Filipiack (Guitar), Anthony “Blue” Jenkins (Bass Guitar), Bashi Rose (Percussion), Mark Stewart (Drums), Gregory Thompkins (Tenor Saxophone), Shaquim Muldrow (Tenor Saxophone), Leo Maxey (Trumpet), and Christian Hizon (Trombone).

The set started off with track one of the new “Move With Love” recording, “Cut Through The Chase.” Although the song eases you in gently, the rhythmic groove is present from note one. By song’s end, the head bobbing and foot tapping was simply unavoidable. The audience was dancing in their seats.

There were no stage props for the show, no video backdrop, no smoke, and no high-tech lighting effects. Such things would only distract from a performance of this caliber. There was also no electronics used on stage, a rarity by today’s standards, no computers, midi’s, loopers or prerecorded filler tracks. With just instruments, microphones, amplifiers and speakers it was the real deal.

The set continued with several earlier songs, released both with and without the full Volcanoes accompaniment. “Undaunted” from Gilchrist’s 2023 release was the most traditional jazz number played this evening, if there is such a thing in Gilchrist’s avant-garde repertoire. The tune was piano-centric allowing him to showcase his keyboard mastery at length without isolating the Volcanoes.  

The band continued with some additional earlier recordings before returning to their newest release. It would be nearly impossible to put a label on the genre bending music of Lafayette Gilchrist and The New Volcanoes, even for those inclined to do so. The compositions are immensely intricate for both rhythm and horn sections and rarely, if ever, written in standard time configurations. Represented in the music are the sounds and instrumentation of jazz, funk, soul, blues, fusion, afrobeat, Latin, hip-hop and DC go-go which Gilchrist credits with much of his early musical influence.

As they proceeded, it is quite evident there was an extreme amount of respect and trust amongst the band members. This trust allows each artist the freedom and flexibility to step up and veer in his own direction and then bring things back to the band and the original composition. Often this process is originated by Gilchrist himself, providing a subtle nod or hand gesture. At other times this “hand off” was more direct, pointing to the entire horn section or just a single member to take the ball and run. It was as exhilarating to watch as it was to hear as each band member creates a groove within the groove and then once they have gone full circle, reunite in perfect time and rhythm.

Check out “Move with Love” by Lafayette Gilchrist on Spotify:

Closing the show, the group played the title song off the new LP, Move With Love. Gilchrist explained the song was written to shed light on the current state of affairs in the world today and the need to move toward love and humanity. The song prominently features Christian Hizon on Trombone, it felt like a brisk, funky walk down Bourbon Street. The song then gave way to Carl Filipiak’s string bending fusion guitar work, reminiscent of Carlos Santana in his prime before handing it over to Bashi Rose who added some percussive elements before returning to the soothing rhythmic melody where it originated.

Gilchrist, reintroduced the band members and humbly thanked the audience for their support tonight and throughout the years. He then posed the question, “Can we play one more for you?”, to the delight of the applauding crowd.

“This is the closest thing I’ve ever had to a hit record,” Lafayette Gilchrist told the crowd before the band broke into “Assume The Position” a song that was used in the Baltimore-based television show The Wire. Upon the conclusion the crowd rises to their feet in a show of appreciation and admiration for the performance they just witnessed. Rather then retreat to the green, in a display of pure gratitude and humility, the band members walked off the front of the stage to greet their families, friends and adoring fans.

Although Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes are a local band, like many others, their Baltimore metro performances can be few and far between. So, if you’re looking for a show, and can’t seem to find one, treat yourself to a copy of “Move With Love.” Then, find the sweet spot in front of your speakers, sit down and close your eyes. Within moments you’ll be transported to the magical showplace, that is Lafayette Gilchrist and the New Volcanoes.

The setlist included:

Set List
Cut Through The Chase
After
Flipmochase Squad
Undaunted
Solid
Baby Steps
Basta
Move With Love

Encore:
Assume The Position

Here are more photos of Lafayette Gilchrist performing at Keystone Korner on August 28, 2025. All photos copyright Cary Evan: