Al's Untouchables: The Gritty Soul of Modern Funk
Al's Untouchables is a dynamic funk and soul band that emerged from the vibrant music scene of Chicago, Illinois. The group achieved notable commercial success with their 2018 album Street Corner Symphony, which charted on the Billboard Top R&B Albums list and solidified their reputation for authentic, horn-driven grooves.
Early career
The band was formed in 2012 by frontman and bassist Alistair "Al" Johnson, who assembled a crew of top-tier session musicians from the city's jazz and blues clubs. Their self-released debut EP, The Get Down, in 2014, quickly became a sought-after item in local record stores, leading to a signing with the independent label Deep Groove Records the following year.
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their sophomore album, Street Corner Symphony, on Deep Groove Records. The lead single, "Windy City Stomp," received heavy rotation on college radio and specialty R&B programs, propelling the album to number 14 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart and earning a gold certification for single sales.
Key tracks
Windy City Stomp — This infectious single served as the band's commercial breakthrough and remains their signature call-and-response anthem.
Brass Knuckles — Featured in a national sports network commercial, this instrumental track showcased the band's tight, powerful horn section.
Five Star Fugitive — A collaboration with vocalist Shandra Jones, this song expanded their reach into contemporary soul audiences.
The Get Down — The title track from their first EP established their raw, live-band sound and became a fan favorite at concerts.
Following the success of Street Corner Symphony, Al's Untouchables embarked on extensive touring, including opening slots for established acts like The Budos Band. Their 2021 album, Motor City Shakedown, was recorded in Detroit and featured a collaboration with legendary percussionist Larry Fratangelo, further cementing their credibility within the funk revival scene.
For fans of the raw, instrumental funk of Al's Untouchables, similar artists include The Budos Band for their shared love of afro-funk and heavy brass. The New Mastersounds also deliver a comparable brand of crisp, modern funk rooted in live instrumentation. From the same Chicago scene, The Phonograph explores a similar vintage soul aesthetic. Listeners might also enjoy Orgone for their gritty, West Coast take on the classic funk sound.
The music of Al's Untouchables maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on specialty funk and soul programs, independent music radio stations, and online radio streams dedicated to classic R&B grooves. Their energetic tracks are a staple for DJs seeking authentic, dance-floor-ready instrumentals.
You can hear the powerful funk of Al's Untouchables on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Discover their discography and experience their live-band energy through the classic rock FM stations, alternative rock radio stations, and dedicated soul streams available on our platform.
