Phat Phunktion
Phat Phunktion
(Stellar)
The deeply grooved sis-boom-bah of Phat Phunktion’s five-piece brass section pumps out the heart and soul of funky Memphis boogie. Recently picked up by Stellar Records, their self-titled release duplicates the snap, crackle and pop of their live shows, from greasy get-downs like “Chunky But Funky,” to the laid back grooves on “Work It.” It’s an eighteen-legged party from the get-go. Vince Jesse’s wily guitar growls and scratches, the bass and drums of Sheldon Allen and Rob Szudy strut and sizzle while Tim Whalen burns with exquisite Hammond magic. As with another Madison group, Madisalsa (whose leader, Claude Cailliett, helps Phat on production chores), the Phunktion is filled with talented musicians who have made a name around town playing in small jazz groups. Luckily, they have decided to unite and make a great big sound whose mission is to shake out the blues any which way they can. There is no shortage of high-flying solo shots from the brass folk (Al Falaschi, Dan Wallach, Courtney Larson, Jeff Madden and Mike Boman), and showstoppers unroll non-stop with smoldering moods sparking intense flair-ups. A group effort where the love of music is equal to the love of a good time, Phat Phunktion finds the creamy center of Philly soul and the feel-good vibe of Delta R&B, bowling over the blues with an infectious display of calculated abandon.
John Noyd
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