Funk-influenced bands to give double dose of jams at Cosmic Charlie’s
February 3, 2016
This Wednesday night a powerful one-two punch of raw funk and world music will stampede through Cosmic Charlie’s, as nine-piece Brooklyn group Turkuaz will join forces with Ghost Note. The stop in Lexington is part of Turkuaz’ 2016 Digitonium tour, promoting last October’s release of the album by the same name.
After forming in mid-2012, Turkuaz has been on the road touring the country and spreading the eclectic and radiant vibes of power-funk. Aside from honing their live craft, the band spends a significant amount of time in the studio, as evidenced not only by 2015’s “Digitonium,” but by April’s release of the “Stereochrome EP” as well. In total, the group has released three studio albums along with the Extended Play.
The power-funk armada of Turkuaz throws a plethora of sounds at once, including a trumpet, keyboard, tambourine and dueling saxophones to go along with the traditional guitar, bass and drums.
Taylor Shell holding down the low end on bass, coupled with Sammi Garett and Shira Elias’ soothing backup vocals and Craig Brodhead’s enriched guitar and synth lines help lead the way in constructing Turkuaz’ unique blend of funk and disco, which harkens back on the 1970s when groups such as Sly & The Family Stone, Parliament, and Rick James, among others.
With every ingredient in Turkuaz’ recipe for power-funk stirred up thoroughly, the end result is infectious dance music that reaches in every direction imaginable for influences, incorporating anything and everything proven to get people on their feet and feeling the beat, including R&B, gospel, and afro and psychedelic pop.
Ghost Note, opening for Turkuaz, features drummer Robert “Sput” Searight and percussionist Nate Werth from Grammy award-winning group Snarky Puppy. The two have an intense feel for one another rhythmically on-stage, leading to intricate musical compositions that incorporate a bevy of hip-hop, jazz and funk influences to go along with the pair’s worldly sound.
Doors open for Wednesday’s show at Cosmic Charlie’s at 9 p.m., with Ghost Note taking the stage shortly after 10 p.m. The show is for everyone 21 and up, with a cover charge of $12 at the door or online at Ticketfly.
