Emerging from the 2004 NEPA Music Festival, one reviewer noted, the band's "...killer grooves and polished musicianship made for a mix as zesty a big plate of red beans and rice"… Funk 'n' Gumbo has been getting audiences on their feet and in a party mood. The band draws the basis for their music from the streets and clubs of The Crescent City, performing New Orleans-style funk, blues and swamp boogie evoking the spirit and sounds of New Orlean's legendary Congo Square, Maple Leaf Bar and the Rock and Bowl.
Formed in 2002, the band performs at clubs, colleges and festivals throughout the northeast. Venues include Michael Arnone's Crawfish Festival, The Finger Lakes Wine Festival, the Great Allentown Fair and others. They've shared the bill with the Little Feat, Dr. John, The Funky Meters, Papa Grows Funk, Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and many, many more.
Their musicianship and rhythmic syncopation makes the music very, very "Fonky" with their ability to lock in a groove and trade tasty solos around it. Drummer Bob Scorey together with bassist and founder, Bill Coleman, combine to create a rhythm section that oozes funk. Guitarist David Anderson provides rhythm and ripping jazz influenced lead guitar work while Jack Mead's dynamic sax work cuts right though to the funk. Billy Edwards provides bluesy vocals, percussion and his dynamic personality to the mix.
Funk 'n' Gumbo continues to tour throughout the northeast. Their live shows are energetic and they fully encourage audience participation. The band is currently working on an upcoming cd as time allows.
