OT: Michigan Grad Funk Legends

Submitted by MGoTexas on

Not even close to on topic here, but I would hope that my fellow MGoBloggers are aware of the funkiest band currently known to man, made of all umich grads, Vulfpeck. It's a band with a core of 4 musicians from the UM School of Music, Theatre & Dance and they GROOVE.

I'd recommend you start strictly on YouTube. Bandleader Jack Stratton has created a live music video for almost their entire discography. And bassist Joe Dart is recognized among the best living.

*Vulf YouTube Channel

*Joe Dart on the Fender Bass - "Beastly" (recorded in the Dude)

 

See you on the other side.

Vigorous

January 10th, 2018 at 8:33 PM ^

In the name of art they created sleepify. An album of utter silence to queue on Spotify while you sleep. With the funds they had a tour where every show was free. Most recently was a show in Chicago where every person that attended was paid depending on how many listens they got on Spotify. Playing the system. They love embracing their artistic b.s. They can consistently be seen at the Blind Pig.

Bando Calrissian

January 11th, 2018 at 7:58 AM ^

Don't they also have some technical innovations with some specialized guitar gear and a whole unique filter on ProTools designed specifically for them? There was a big article on it in the alumni magazine last year. As a bit of a gearhead, it was a fun read.

They've got some great tunes, really cool to see them blow up.

MGlobules

January 11th, 2018 at 11:18 AM ^

marries two sides of jazz-rock from the late 70s, from the Chick Corea side and the Stevie Wonder side (if I am reading it right), a very natural of course! kind of union when you think about it. (Maybe some funk agglomerations of the period?) That also happens to be the period when I was in the RC, and listening to that music myself. . . 

ajc4982

January 10th, 2018 at 10:24 PM ^

...they have done a few collaborations with a cover band called Scary Pockets. Check out their channel on YouTube. Think Post Modern Jukebox, but with 70s Era funk instead.

uminks

January 10th, 2018 at 10:36 PM ^

GFR members were from Flint, MI.  I liked them back in the 70s, kind of an easy listening rock/blues band but had good guitar and bass players, so they were better than POP bands imo! I remember closer to home, bad time, we're an American band, so they were a good Michigan band,

hopkinsdrums

January 11th, 2018 at 12:00 AM ^

I had the pleasure of playing some jazz gigs with a couple of the musicians...amazing, amazing players, not only do they groove their asses off, but they're also EXTREMELY knowledgable about music, be it theory, history, etc.

UMMicah

January 11th, 2018 at 9:20 AM ^

Hi all, long time lurker who finally created an account for this topic. I knew Theo in undergrad; he’s a great, enthusiastic guy and I’m glad he’s kept the music going these past 15(!) years. It’s wonderful to see them making it in their own way.

 

My personal favorite is their appearance on Colbert:

 

https://youtu.be/TiiWR6436Eg

Da Fino

January 11th, 2018 at 9:16 AM ^

Fan of these guys.  Several years ago a student of mine tipped me off to them and I picked up a copy of Thrill of the Arts (which has a couple tracks featuring David T. Walker on guitar).  One of my favorites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3qYfe7Nsdc

Agree with a previous poster who said they can be a bit much with the artsy stuff.  But whatever.  The music is solid.