Bill King, the artistic director of the Beaches Jazz Festival, has good connections with New Orleans jazz community. Last year he brought wonderful Trombone Shorty. It was the discovery of the last summer for. My only dream was that this Bill present musicians of the same level. Dreams come true. Even more, sometimes life exceeds your expectations!
Big Sam’s Funky Nation brought the house down at Beaches Jazz Festival!
Big Sam’s Funky Nation is a driving force of urban funk. Ryan White, of the Oregonian, says the band is “tight enough (and hot enough) to turn coal into a diamond!” The band is led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, formerly the trombonist for the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, who the San Francisco Chronicle calls “the top man on the slide trombone in the birthplace of jazz.” Big Sam refuses to let the audience sit still. Between the band’s solos, Big Sam’s signature dance moves and his distinctive trombone riffs, the energy level is high voltage when this band takes the stage!
The Funky Nation is a stellar group of world-class musicians who meet the challenges of their funky band leader. The band is comprised of Andrew Baham on Trumpet/Vocals/Keys, Takeshi Shimmura on Guitar, Chocolate MILK on Drums, and Eric Vogel on Bass in addition to Big Sam on Trombone/Vocals. BSFN’s signature Noladelic Powerfunk sound masterfully combines a rock sensibility with improve-style associated with jazz and the horn-heavy front section that’s the hallmark of big band funk.
The most striking member of the band is a tall bodybuilder with trombone whose name is Big Sam. And you can call Big Sam a frontman but in truth each member of the band is a frontman. Bass player Eric Vogel demonstrated incredible 6 min solo. He is one of best bass players in business IMHO.
The band’s guitarist Takeshi Shimmura is actually from Japan. I have only one word for him “excellent!!!” You will not find anything about him in the internet, so just to listen him play, if get lucky. The drummer Chocolate is definitely your choice, if you like powerful virtuosic, dynamic, creative and good looking drummers. And last but certainly not least Andrew Baham on Trumpet/Vocals/Keys. Did I mention that the alternate name of the band is Baham’s Funky Nation?
