After a Grammy award nomination in 2020 for best new artist, the Black Pumas have attracted a diverse audience with extensive radio play and critical praise for their first genre bending album. The Austin, Texas-based psychedelic soul band led by the crazy talented singer songwriter Eric Burton kicked off their first extensive world tour at The Fillmore Philadelphia to a packed house.

At their best, the Black Pumas’ are reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, maybe even the almighty Al Green. Many of their songs (from the first album) are fantasically complex with rich layers and stimulating time variations.

Unfortunately, at the Fillmore show last night (Jan. 18, 2024) the band wasn’t always at their best. In fact, there were more than a few occasions that the band wasn’t good at all. Songs like “Ice Cream” and “Mrs. Postman” from their new album demonstrate an immaturity that will sink them fast. It is never easy putting out album #2.

Here is the 16 song setlist.

It’s obvious the Black Pumas are at a crossroads… a place many bands find themselves after a hit album and feeling the pressure to produce a sophomore release quickly after wrapping up their first tour. I remember talking about Alabama Shakes in a similar position after they had an initial raging success (click here for my stories from early 2012 Shakes gig). I am not sure if Eric Burton is as special as the Shakes’ Brittany Howard, but he could be. The Pumas’ front man Burton was the entire show. That man has a tremendous upside and top-tier talents. Watching his interaction with the band, he certainly thinks so.

There were more than a few times during the show, where Burton could have taken the songs to another level. Something was holding him back. I can only assume it was the band and a lack of material. The audience could have handled more from the band.

With all that said, the show was fun. It’s funny how people’s interest in music evolves over time. I turned down an invite to a sold-out Joe Russo’s Almost Dead show a few days earlier at the Capital Theatre in Port Chester, NY (click here to read about the last time I saw JRAD in 2016) to attend this dance-based Black Pumas gig.

A few random rambles worth sharing from my show notes…

Like so many movies these days that feel the need to run almost three hours long, the Black Pumas set was too long.

“Colors” was my favorite groove of the night and successfully stoked the Philly faithful. Above is a video we snagged from our stage left viewing spot not far from the stage and only steps to the bar.

I am never a fan of sing-alongs, but was very impressed with the Pumas’ ability to get the audience to participate and get involved in the show without being too dooshy. Kudos.

I will keep an eye on what Eric Burton does next. Hey Galactic… how about giving him a go on lead vocals?

Lastly, this was my first time at The Fillmore Philadelphia and I was impressed with the set-up. Best of all, the new event space neighbors the super cool rising Philly neighborhood called Fishtown.

Although there are a slew of nice pre- and post-show options to eat, drink and be merry… I can’t say enough about Wm. Mulherin’s Sons. This was was my second visit to the place and it delivers 5 stars on all the important categories. From the fire place, bar seating, food, menu, staff and music… a killer spot.

My favorite (and some may say dumb) part was that not one person was wearing a baseball hat. Keep it classy Philadelphia!

Last point, which could be equated to that after dinner limoncello or Bailey’s the waiter “gifts” you when bringing the check that you really don’t need…. I will ask an insensitive question.

Why do most band’s have big chunky women singing backup. Does size have a correlation to the power of their voice?