Beat Temple
1989–late 1990s
Beat Temple grew out of Western Eyes, a band founded in 1986 by Gary Wade, Carl Jones, and Ralz Mathias that explored influences from Prince to Patti LaBelle. By 1989, with the addition of keyboardist Rick Thompson and drummer Chris Axelrad, the group had evolved into Beat Temple, working Houston's club circuit during a quasi-funk revival period. In 1991 Beat Temple was selected as one of five national finalists in the Soundcheck competition and flew to Los Angeles for label consideration. Houston Press noted Mathias's voice absorbed influences "from Stevie Wonder to Seal without mimicking," and the band's sound drew on Sly Stone-style struts and bare-bones deep-funk grooves. They were regulars at The Pig "Live" and released a cassette-only album Lemon and Honey in 1994, followed by their debut CD Hands of Mercy in July 1995 with a release show at the Fabulous Satellite Lounge.
Members
Photos
Discography
Lemon and Honey (1994)
Cassette-only release.
Hands of Mercy (1995)
Debut CD. Release show at the Fabulous Satellite Lounge, July 1995.