Showing posts with label Funktional Flow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Funktional Flow. Show all posts


Tonight: Floodwood


Fans of Moe. will be pleased to announce that Al Schnier & Vinnie Amico will be in town with their presence in bluegrass-heavy Floodwood. I first stumbled upon these guys at Summer Camp Music Festival back in May, wandering through the many tents until a wham of string trills caught my knees and propelled me to stay through their entire set. On stage, they're warm, welcoming, and eager to play, despite any setback. Last time I saw them opening for Moe., Nick Piccininni's violin bow was fraying dramatically. He played with even more fervor. Expect to feel buzzed without a sip of brew. Opening the show tonight will be Big Leg Emma, who wade through the genres of psychedelia and Americana with a hint of folk. Funktional Flow will make sure the groove pulse stays on high. 

Tickets are 18$, show will be 18+. Waiting Room. 334 Delaware Ave. Doors 8 p.m.





New Year's Eve Preview: Funktional Flow at Nietzsche's


Mindbenders, rabble-rousers, sonic masters of shenanigans, all converge under one cracking roof and sticker-ridden walls to wear out 2013's old style and lash into 2014 with a flying set of diverse bands. If you're into the twisted chaos of ethereal guitar swirls and enchanting sitar plucks, I should see your bum shakin' it tomorrow evening at Nietzsche's Buffalo.

Even though many, many jam-oriented events were booked here this year, there's still no better place to surrender to Funktional Flow's eclectic style that begs the whole body to get up and groove. At times they start out coy, wheeling a reggae-steady beat, and before you know it you feel like you're breakdancing to the raging synth-like pounces of The Disco Biscuits. If you're lacking a Funktional Flow show under your leather pouch, it's a highly suggested adventure, especially with the additional acts on the bill.

Family Funktion & The Sitar Jams blend a mix of sitar, bass, and drums that give an a-rhythmic quality, similar to groups like Consider The Source and New Jersey-based Zetizen. Songs like "Lusa" and "What To Do" ring of a dark mystery in a most seductive and dervish way. Looking for something more soulful? Smackdab brings the aching funk blend, punching out a steady tune that's heavy on rock with a blues baby mixed in for seasoning. Finally, Logo City's contribution to the evening is a melodic glide and invites the organ as the main component to the sonic banquet.

All the acids and bases are mixed to the right pH level to party. Don't leave the house without your ID that says 21+, 5 dollars, and a smile. Show up around 9 p.m. if you will, babes.






Concert Review: The Heavy Pets


Last night, Nietzche's offered a full night of entertainment for those in attendance. Right after Family Funktion and the Sitar Jams completed their set on the main stage, Funktional Flow started into a Bob Marley cover at a performance area set up by the entrance. When they finished up their set, The Heavy Pets started into theirs and they kicked things off strong with guitar solos from guitarists Jeff Lloyd and Mike Garulli. Jim Wuest grooved while playing the keys and singing lead vocals. The rhythm section of Tony D’Amato on Bass and Jamie Newitt on drums was solid and heavy. They slowed down for their second song and offered a psychedelic show with rainbow lights and a fog machine on stage. The Heavy Pets showed their skills and connection with their instruments during long jams and used techniques such as slapping the neck of the guitar to produce a funky and unique sound. In front of the stage, a group of fans danced the night away for an entertaining show for any jam fan. The Heavy Pets showed last night why they are a fan favorite for festival shows throughout the country.

Matthew Lenox


Tonight: Heavy Pets


Today is a certain unofficial holiday and it is being celebrated tonight at Nietzsches for a special 4/20 show. Heavy Pets are headlining with local bands Funktional Flow and Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams supporting. This will be a night of jam bands with an eclectic influence of psychedelic rock, jazz, funk, blues, and reggae. Heavy Pets came into the spotlight with the release of their double disc debut album, Whale, in 2007. In 2010, they released a self titled album that The Huffington Post named as one of the top ten albums of the year. Their next release due this spring will be a follow up to their last album, Everywhere Sessions: Volume 1. These albums are stripped down and raw to reflect their live feel. Heavy Pets can be found at numerous summer music festivals this upcoming season. Funktional Flow can be found almost every weekend to be playing somewhere in Buffalo with a crowd of fans grooving to their funky sound. One of the few bands to prominently feature a sitar, Family FUNKtion and the Sitar Jams most recently played at Trimania. This trio of sitar, drums, and bass will take the stage with a vague plan, but mostly rely on improv.




Matthew Lenox


Video Interview: Funktional Flow


I recently got to sit down with Funktional Flow band members Jeff Kuebler, Ben Whelan, and Jim Edgar to talk about touring, jamming, and other funky topics. A special guest also hung out for the interview. He didn't have much to say, but he still wanted and received attention from all of us.

                                

 

Matthew Lenox