Photos and Review by Max Stewart

Neal Francis and Improvement Movement were the ultimate co-bill at Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse on 404 Day in ATL (404 Day). These are two artists that draw inspiration from the golden era of the 60s and 70s but make a sound each uniquely their own.

Atlanta’s Improvement Movement is our favorite recent live discovery. Breaking down barriers of genre, creating a seamlessly cohesive prog-psychedelia-folk-jazz jam journey for listeners. Music that is full of surprise but fully accessible, led by Tony Aparo, Zach Pyles, Marshall Ruffin, Clark Hamilton (klark.sound).

Neal Francis is another elite recent musical discovery. Something about Francis’ sound draws from so many great sonic influences, from The Meters to Elton John to Sly & the Family Stone to Allen Toussaint, while adding his own unique flavoring. His soulful approach to keys arrangements with melodic vocals really come to life in a live setting.

Both of these artists should absolutely be seen live.