A New York-based duo known for blending jazz, soul and storytelling will bring a vintage atmosphere to Chattanooga this month. Acute Inflections, a jazzy R&B pair with a minimalist sound built on voice and upright bass, is scheduled to perform June 14 at The Granfalloon.
Their upcoming performance will incorporate a Harlem Renaissance theme, complete with candlelit ambience.
In this Q&A, the duo discusses how they came together, how their relationship shapes their music and what audiences can expect from their Chattanooga performance.
How did Acute Inflections come together?
“We met in Brooklyn in February 2012, but the musical collaboration didn’t begin until August 2013. We were part of a larger band at the time, and one night, the other members didn’t show up on time for a gig.
“The two of us had no choice but to perform together, just voice and bass. The audience loved it, and that unexpected moment became the beginning of Acute Inflections.”
How has your relationship shaped your sound?
“Our relationship is the foundation of everything we do. Because we know each other so well, there’s a level of trust that allows us to take risks on stage and in the studio. We can stretch, simplify and surprise each other while still landing exactly where we need to.
“We’re also able to have honest and sometimes difficult conversations, and since we’re both sensitive and critical in our own ways, we’re constantly pushing each other to grow. That intimacy translates into a sound that feels honest, conversational and alive.”
How would you describe your style to someone hearing you for the first time?
“We usually describe our style as jazzy R&B with a modern twist, but that only scratches the surface. It’s soulful, stripped down and elegant, built around voice and upright bass. There’s a vintage feel to it, but it’s very present and relatable.
“We’re also constantly fusing genres people might not expect, including classical, Latin, rock, Afrobeat and reggae. More than anything, it feels like a shared moment rather than a performance.”
You’ve been compared to artists like Erykah Badu and Billie Holiday. What elements of their influence appear in your music?
“With Erykah Badu, it’s the fearlessness and individuality. She creates her own lane and stays rooted in authenticity, which is something we value deeply.
“With Billie Holiday, it’s the emotional delivery and phrasing. She had a way of making every lyric feel personal and lived in. We carry those elements into our music, especially in how we interpret songs and connect with the audience.”
Where do you intentionally go your own way?
“We intentionally keep things minimal. Most artists build up with more instrumentation, but we strip things down to just voice and bass, which forces us to be more creative and more connected.
“We also blend music with comedy and storytelling in a way that’s not typical for jazz or R&B performances.
“Most importantly, we do everything we can to empower the message of each song rather than simply showcasing our musical ability. That focus helps create a deeper connection with the audience.”
How important is spontaneity to what you do on stage?
“Spontaneity is everything. No two shows are the same. We read the room, interact with the audience and allow moments to unfold naturally. The comedy, the freestyles and even subtle changes in the music all come from being fully present.
“We often change the set list in real-time based on something the audience says or does, which can lead to a funnier or more heartfelt experience for everyone. That’s what keeps the show alive and people coming back.”
Is there a particular performance or moment that stands out as defining for you as a duo?
"One moment that really defined us happened early on when we performed at a jazz festival in Martha’s Vineyard. We were following a high-energy Brazilian band, and to be honest, we felt a bit insecure going on after them.
“When we started, the audience seemed a little distracted. But then we performed one of our original songs. We were so focused on delivering it as best as we could that we weren’t even thinking about engaging the audience.
“When the song ended, there was no applause at first. We looked out and saw a room full of people sitting in complete stillness. Some were visibly emotional, even crying. It felt like they’d just experienced something deeply personal and spiritual.
“That was the moment we realized we had something truly special, and it changed how we approached every performance after that.”
What drew you to the Harlem Renaissance era?
“The Harlem Renaissance represents a time of bold creativity, cultural pride and artistic excellence. There’s a beautiful combination of elegance and being down to earth, along with artists who weren’t afraid to speak their minds about issues in their communities.
“That spirit resonates deeply with what we aim to create.”
How does it influence your performance?
“It influences everything, from the music selection to the overall atmosphere. The sound leans into jazz and soul traditions, while the experience reflects the elegance and intimacy of that era.
“We encourage guests to dress up, relax and really be present. It feels less like a concert and more like stepping into a different time for the evening.”
For someone in Chattanooga who might be new to your music, what do you hope they take away from the evening on June 14?
“We hope they walk away feeling like they experienced something special and personal. A beautiful night out filled with great music, laughter and connection.
“More importantly, we hope they leave with a sense of love and community, especially with everything going on in the world today, and feel inspired by the power of music to bring people together.”