FUNKWAYS:

Funkways is an original rhythmic endeavor kicking up dust at the crossroads of primitive funk and vernacular jazz. Organized by composer Joel Ricci aka Lucky Brown, Funkways' mission is to commemorate, celebrate, and consecrate true soul music as played from the heart, and to engender cultural health by promoting greater neighborhood social cohesion. Recommended if you like funk and jazz giants such as James Brown, Fela, Mulatu Astatke, Dyke and the Blazers, Alhaji Kwabena Frimpong, and contemporary instrumental groups like Poets of Rhythm, Budos Band, Menahan Street Band, and Polyrhythmics.

ANDRE CRUZ & CHRIS LUJAN:

Having already sold out of their first three 45 releases, and playing sold-out shows at legendary venues alongside the likes of Lee Fields and Thee Sacred Souls, Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan are bringing their own fire to the stage. Backed by The Black Diamond Rhythm Band, Cruz and Lujan bring a unique flavor with their fuzz heavy, groove-infused California soul. They will touch your heart with crooning, sweet soul and light up the dance floor with explosive funkiness. The band is the product of an inspired collaboration between vocalist/songwriter Andre Cruz and producer/bandleader Chris Lujan. Cruz - an energetic, joyful performer with Donny Hathaway meets Stevie Wonder vocal stylings and Lujan, a fixture in the Bay Area soul/funk scene are backed by the Black Diamond Rhythm Band, which features members of some of the Bay Area's best soul and funk bands. Be on the lookout for their upcoming LP, The Real Thing coming out this summer and their EP, Colors due by the end of the year.

Jaws of Brooklyn

Jaws of Brooklyn formed when Zia Uddin-Drums, Paul Christofferson-Bass, Bryan Cohen-Guitar met singer Lindsay Love in Seattle during the height of the COVID pandemic in August 2020. They recorded a series of 60's flavored Rock n' Roll and Soul demos in Cohen's basement, which included background vocals from Black Pumas' Lauren Cervantes and keyboards from Funky 2 Death's Melissa Montalto. The demos caught the ear of Alabama Shakes keyboardist Ben Tanner and Fitz and the Tantrums and Lady Blackbird writer/producer Chris Seefried. Tanner agreed to produce the album, and Seefried agreed to co-write two tunes and produce the lead vocal on one of those tunes. In May, they traveled to Florence, Alabama - Sundrop Sound - and cut their debut record, The Shoals. Tanner played keys and Alabama Shakes/Brittney Howard vocalists Shanay Johnson and Karita Law added their voices for background vocals. The result is a slab of 60's inspired Rock and Soul with lots of fun percussion and simple arrangements.