Blue Skies

Bye, Bye Blackbird

I had the pleasure of backing up this saxophone legend. Having been Ray Charles’ lifelong saxophonist, it was a treasure to perform this tune with Mr. Newman. This was recorded in November 2008. David ‘Fathead’ Newman passed away on January 20, 2009. 

Georgia On My Mind

I had a blast in the studio with Gerri and Paul. Here a few of my favorites from the ‘It’s Coming on Christmas’ sessions.

I’ve got my love to keep me warm

River

You can see the original article here

and for my friends who don’t speak japanese, here’s a translation:

“Phat Phanktion, from Madison, Wisconsin, is a “brass funk band”, powered by its sharp-edged horn section. The horns, consisting of sax, trombone, and two trumpets, together with a tight rhythm unit full of groove, as well as deep chorus ensemble provide the warm yet powerful groove throughout. The band has common distinctive features with, yet rivals or surpasses, Tower of Power, which made its mark on the 70’s west coast scene. It is a surprising fact that a band with such authority exists today.

This is the band’s fourth album, after some member changes from their previous release. It is obvious that the member changes caused no negative impact, which is proven as soon as you hear the opening song “You Want It All”. From there on, relaxed “With You” through the closing EWF cover of “Jupiter”, the entire album is glorious and fun!”

YES! I always strive for “no negative impact” 😉

We Have The Technology

Congratulations to Phat Phunktion’s Real Life .:. High Fidelity on being named by Isthmus Newspaper’s as one of the top 10 albums of 2011. From the Isthmus…

“The members of Phat Phunktion coped with the pain of real life during the time spent making this album. The fiancée of saxophonist Al Falaschi was stricken with cancer. She died in 2009. But funk music has a way of fending off darkness. “You Want It All” is the leadoff track, powered by staccato horns and grooving guitars. Lyrically, it offers a message of hope: “We’ve all got to live for something.” Tim Whalen’s piano grounds “Miss Madison,” and the improvisation shows the band’s strong jazz influences. The lyrics are steeped in local culture: “Dreaming of a night on the Terrace/The moon’s gonna light the stage.”

Phat Phunktion reminds us that despite real tragedies, there’s plenty of reason to celebrate all that’s good.”

Click here for a link to the original Isthmus article.