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The Monophonics:
Monophonics' sound, a unique blend of old school soul/funk and rare groove, began in the summer of 2005 when drummer Austin Bohlman was asked to bring together "The funkiest players you know" to open for the legendary jam band, Vinyl at San Francisco's historic Boom Boom Room. Since then, Monophonics have quickly evolved into one of hottest upcoming live instrumental funk bands in the Bay Area. Recognized for their retro sound, style, and approach (primarily inspired by late 60's and early 70's artists like The Meters, The J.B.'s, The Crusaders, and Tower of Power) members of Monophonics continue to rep. the name through performances, sit-ins, and collaborations with local and touring acts in The Bay Area. The Monophonic Horns have performed with Russell Batiste and his Orchestra from Da Hood (members of Galactic, Papa Grows Funk, The Funky Meters) and recorded for Eric Krasno (Soulive/Lettuce). Members of the rhythm section are involved in a collaborative turntabalism/live music project with Bay Area DJ Crew, 4OneFunk, called 4OnePhonics. Monophonics debut album, "Playin and Simple" - a full length, all original recording was released September 8th, 2007 and is available for sale at shows, online, and will be in stores soon. These young heavy-hitters aim to spread live, instrumental dance music as well as represent and continue the tradition of California/Bay Area soul, jazz and funk.
James Caran:
Trained in the East Village clubs of New York since age 14, performer and composer James Caran is now making his way into the world via San Francisco. His music spans genres and ranges from delicate and sublime to fierce and defiant, but is always searching and open for personal interpretation. With a large cast of characters often intertwining, James' ensemble has landed in quartet form- with each member adding their own taste and strength to a common vision that conveys emotion, energy, and thought.
Eric McFadden:
Thoughout his illustrious career, singer, songwriter and guitarist Eric McFadden has steadfastly rebuked the Sirens of commerce, instead heeding the fearless, uncompromising Muses inside his head. This all-consuming obsession helps explain the twisted trajectory of McFadden's career. A veteran of celebrated west coast bands including Liar, Alien Lovestock, Angry Babies, IZM, Holy Smokes, Faraway Brothers, and the Eric McFadden Experience, McFadden has recorded three independently produced solo albums that are regarded as underground masterworks by fans and critics alike.
McFadden's elegantly sinister songs, raspy vocals and flamenco-rock guitar improvisations have helped make him a regional legend along America's western seaboard. Lest you dismiss the preceding as rank hyperbole, consider the fact that McFadden has performed with the regal likes of Bo Diddley, blues troubadour Keb Mo', prog-metalists Living Colour, Primus mastermind Les Claypool, Carla Bozulich, Widespread panic, The Reverend Horton Heat, Clah Frontman Joe Strummer and others.
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