It is hard to call Armchair Generals' music down-tempo because it is definitely uplifting, so I’ll just get my point across by describing the band in more general terms like excellent, energetically smooth and a must-see group.

Musically, their sound has a soothing, soulful balance of electronic beats, jazz-infused tempos and calming lyrics.

Physically, they are intriguing to watch because they smile and beautifully grove to their own sound, as they should. The three main members, Oyani9 (Pernicia Jaye), Be’bo’ 6 (Raymond Comer III) and Osoosi7 (Aaron Elimelech) have a natural energy flow and their occasional guest performers heighten the jam session sound they produce.

So, if you missed their last performance of the year at Viento y Agua Friday night, I suggest you make their next show of 2011 a requirement.

The Long Beach band has been getting quite a lot of notoriety in the local music scene and knowing that their serene sound really helps escape this noisy world,
they are done performing for the rest of the year to spend time in the studio creating their LP.

Their final performance packed a crowd of music lovers at the 4th street coffee house October 16th and the minute Oyani9’s voice hit the mike, heads were steady moving in unison.

Oyane9 has the type of pitch that could never be copied. It reminds me of Sade-classic, sensual and unique. She also plays the bass, and very well at that, so watching her enjoy her music as much as I did was certainly pleasing.

Be’bo’6 is a drum master and his electronic set really separates the band’s tone from sounding like anyone else’s out in the local performance scene. He credits a wide range of inspirations, from Led Zeppelin to Prince, and I can only image the extensiveness of his music playlist.

Osoosi7 does background vocals, keyboard and controls the electric synthesizer programming to really pull the Armchair Generals together. As a well-known local DJ and former radio personality for www.kbeach.org, is it easy to understand why his production specialty is a key ingredient to the group.

Although the three have been making music together for about 9 years, they still bring something different to each performance they play.

Recently, DJ Danny V has been a part of their live set; sampling and mixing on his MPC, which helps their sound remain electric/house/lounge simultaneously.

Friday they welcomed saxophonist Jaman Laws who added an additional soothing sound to a few of the songs, and bringing some diversity to the group were hip-hop artists Akil Lewis and local emcee No Sleep, who ended the show on a very energetic tip. I will definitely be looking out for another performance from Lewis, as well as the Long Beach rapper No Sleep.

So while Armchair Generals' spend their time in the studio to create more stellar music and put together an LP, you should spend a few bucks on their EP, because this band is something special and their talent should not be slept on. You can find purchasing information and much more on their website: www.armchairgeneralsmusic.com.