Slow Cooked

New Orleans is only about an 8 hour drive from Austin, but its cultural influence seems to wash up on our shores regularly. Slow Cooked is gets its name and derives its influence from the 'slow cooked' gumbo of Louisiana of which its methodology can also be applied to soul music. Multiple ingredients and distinct soulful sounds swirl around band leader, Alex Hartley, who orchestrates the sextet with the patience and experience of a tenured soul man. Vocalist, Ida Khojandpour, brings Slow Cooked tracks to life through her versatile singing prowess. Slow Cooked claims a variety of influences which evidences their trajectory towards alt-soul. Listed influences include Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Vulfpeck, Thelonious Monk, Tom Waits, Radiohead, Bruno Mars, Charles Mingus, Allen Toussaint, Dr. John, and Radiohead. Indulge your senses by catching the newly formed Slow Cooked, as they begin to raise the heat in Austin. - The Deli Magazine

Austin, TX's own Slow Cooked are gearing up for a busy week as they have SXSW coming up next week, and along in tow they have their brand new single titled "Thunder and Lightning". It's really hard to describe their sound, but it's a musical amalgamation of all the band members' individual influences ranging anywhere from Michael Jackson to jazz to create a melting pot of musical diversity that is beyond imagination. Featuring my good buddy Alex Hartley on keys, Ida Khojandpour on vocals, Darren Debree on drums, Ryan Lindsay on bass, John Slavin on trumpet, and John Rooney on sax have an intriguing sound that involves listening multiple times over to get the full brunt of their musical power. It's definitely a relaxing and worthwhile experience for sure, and in no time you'll be curious to hear more from this delightful group of musicians. And if you happen to be in Austin next week for SXSW, definitely make it your mission to seek them out in concert to get the full experience directly from them. - Music Box Pete