Benevento at The Mint

Jam fans and piano aficionados would be doing themselves a service by going to The Mint tonight.  Ivory and ebony virtuoso Marco Benevento takes to the stage at the Pico funk hub to lay down some thick jazz, granola tunes and the occasional party starter like "Limbs of a Pine."   You may remember Marco from the Benevento/Russo Duo - but tonight's outfit should be a bit more eclectic, plus he is joined by Mike Dillon of Garage A Trois, Polyphonic Spree, Les Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade and more.  

That Whole Funk....Nothing But The Funk All Month at The Mint

July isn't just heating up on the streets - its also heating up inside the venues, especially at The Mint where Galactic's Stanton Moore holds down their increasingly popular residency series.

Tonight he is joined by The Greyboy All-Stars' Robert Walter (keys) and Elgin Park (guitar).  Park also just happens to be an accomplish composer by the name of Mike Andrews, whose music is in just about every Judd Apatow production you've ever seen.

If you are not already excited - you either don't like funk, you care little for musical accolades or you're probably doing something ridiculously awesome tonight elsewhere.  But if you're just a little bit intrigued - read on...



Its not your average Wednesday over on Pico in July.  Stanton Moore is a doctor of funk drumming - an industry accepted all star.  His sticks are good.  Rhythm impeccable.  And enthusiasm undeniable.  He is teaching some seminars before the shows - and then showcasing why he is qualified to do so afterward.  Whether tonight - or some other July Wednesday, don't miss your chance to witness greatness.

Buy tickets here.

That Whole Funk....Nothing But The Funk All Month at The Mint

July isn't just heating up on the streets - its also heating up inside the venues, especially at The Mint where Galactic's Stanton Moore holds down their increasingly popular residency series.

Tonight he is joined by The Greyboy All-Stars' Robert Walter (keys) and Elgin Park (guitar).  Park also just happens to be an accomplish composer by the name of Mike Andrews, whose music is in just about every Judd Apatow production you've ever seen.

If you are not already excited - you either don't like funk, you care little for musical accolades or you're probably doing something ridiculously awesome tonight elsewhere.  But if you're just a little bit intrigued - read on...



Its not your average Wednesday over on Pico in July.  Stanton Moore is a doctor of funk drumming - an industry accepted all star.  His sticks are good.  Rhythm impeccable.  And enthusiasm undeniable.  He is teaching some seminars before the shows - and then showcasing why he is qualified to do so afterward.  Whether tonight - or some other July Wednesday, don't miss your chance to witness greatness.

Buy tickets here.

Under the Radar, But Soooo Good - Eric McFadden

L.A. is not a town known that is necessarily known for its deep appreciation of jazz, funk, bluegrass, jam-rock music and all the eclectic blends in between.  That said - there are a few enclaves that do embrace those sounds and from time to time pull in some exceptional talents whose compositions span all of the above.  One of those venues, The Mint, recruited one of those artists, Eric McFadden, and an all-star support cast, including Wally Ingram and The Meters Leo Nocentelli, to melt some faces this Friday June 22, 2012.

You can get some free tickets to see the 6-string master by reaching out to contest@supergoodmusic.com or mentioning @supergoodmusic @mintLA and @EMACSF in a tweet.

Photos: Orgone at Bonnaroo

Home grown LA funk collective ORGONE crushed the stage at Bonnaroo two weeks ago (in a good way).  Raging rhythms hard for those that took two days of work - Orgone delivered their quintessential vibrant So-Cal flavored grooves with a lot of energy, some wailing vocals and top notch percussion from Stewart Killen.

It was the perfect set to kick off Bonnaroo....hope they bring them back in 2013!

Rebirth Brass Band Rages The Mint Tonight!

Don't miss the chance to put the funk in your Thursday with famed New Orleans artists Rebirth Brass Band at The Mint tonight!  The Grammy award winning act will be blowing all sorts of horns in the toasty little jazz enclave - and we don't want you to miss it, which is why we are giving away a couple pairs of tickets to their jam session.

Just email contest@supergoodmusic or tweet out @supergoodmusic and @mintLA to enter!

Blue Whale - Where Jazz Lives in L.A.

Have you been to the Blue Whale yet? If you're a musically inclined Los Angeleno - the answer to that question should be yes. Its a hot little enclave in the Little Tokyo area of downtown and most nights of the week you'd be impressed with the sounds emanating from inside.

This week the venue gets a visit from a budding young indie pop star I recently discovered, Jesse Palter. While you might be familiar with her from Palter Ego - where she pens and belts out indie pop soul with ease - apparently she has her own jazz quartet too. They've played Red Sea Jazz Festival, done gigs in Vegas and are not to be taken lightly. You can catch Jesse and her talented threesome that includes Mike Jellick (piano), Tim Lefebvre (bass) and Steve Hass (drums).

Here is one of Jesse's Palter Ego originals "Take Me With You."

Here are a couple of covers by Jesse's Palter Ego project, which also includes producer/player/writer Sam Barsh on keys. Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" and Lana Del Reys' "Video Games." Palter Ego just finished a residency at The Cosmopolitan in Vegas and are returning for another 5 night residency there in May.

Blue Whale - Where Jazz Lives in L.A.

Have you been to the Blue Whale yet? If you're a musically inclined Los Angeleno - the answer to that question should be yes. Its a hot little enclave in the Little Tokyo area of downtown and most nights of the week you'd be impressed with the sounds emanating from inside.

This week the venue gets a visit from a budding young indie pop star I recently discovered, Jesse Palter. While you might be familiar with her from Palter Ego - where she pens and belts out indie pop soul with ease - apparently she has her own jazz quartet too. They've played Red Sea Jazz Festival, done gigs in Vegas and are not to be taken lightly. You can catch Jesse and her talented threesome that includes Mike Jellick (piano), Tim Lefebvre (bass) and Steve Hass (drums).

Here is one of Jesse's Palter Ego originals "Take Me With You."

Here are a couple of covers by Jesse's Palter Ego project, which also includes producer/player/writer Sam Barsh on keys. Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" and Lana Del Reys' "Video Games." Palter Ego just finished a residency at The Cosmopolitan in Vegas and are returning for another 5 night residency there in May.

Palter Egos & Barsh-Mellows at Del Monte Speakeasy

It hasn't been too long since Townhouse reopened their downstairs chilled out oasis, The Del Monte Speakeasy, but its fast become a westside music lovers spot of choice. The famed, sweaty, throwback bar in the basement of the Venice staple has been steadily heating up with a parade of artists that you would regularly expect to see at rooms like The Roxy, The Echo and The Mint.

Sunday January 8th is no different - with hot producer and keys-playing extraordinaire, Sam Barsh. Him and his Barsh-Mellow jam should ignite the Venice venue all night with sexy covers, original material from Sam's various projects - including new indie soul pop project Palter Ego, featuring him and Jesse Palter, and possibly even some of Barsh's newest productions that are slated to appear on Norah Jones' new record and Def Jam rapper Wax's mixtape.

This is the first of what hopes to be many Barsh-Mellow shows. His funky eclectic vibe is the perfect fit for Del Monte. RSVP to the show via the facebook event link here.

Palter Egos & Barsh-Mellows at Del Monte Speakeasy

It hasn't been too long since Townhouse reopened their downstairs chilled out oasis, The Del Monte Speakeasy, but its fast become a westside music lovers spot of choice. The famed, sweaty, throwback bar in the basement of the Venice staple has been steadily heating up with a parade of artists that you would regularly expect to see at rooms like The Roxy, The Echo and The Mint.

Sunday January 8th is no different - with hot producer and keys-playing extraordinaire, Sam Barsh. Him and his Barsh-Mellow jam should ignite the Venice venue all night with sexy covers, original material from Sam's various projects - including new indie soul pop project Palter Ego, featuring him and Jesse Palter, and possibly even some of Barsh's newest productions that are slated to appear on Norah Jones' new record and Def Jam rapper Wax's mixtape.

This is the first of what hopes to be many Barsh-Mellow shows. His funky eclectic vibe is the perfect fit for Del Monte. RSVP to the show via the facebook event link here.

Pinot - The New L.A. Jam Funk Band To Watch

SUPERGOODMUSIC got funked up on some Pinot at the Roxy on Saturday November 5^th, and it proved a perfect reminder of what live music can do to an audience. Every person at The Roxy found their groove, and some found moves they had only seen on TV or in The Black Keys video for "Lonely Boy."

Pinot’s funky foundation peppered with everything from dance music to jazz created the perfect storm on the floor causing every waist to swivel, head to bob, and foot to tap. Delta Nove played a very solid set as usual, but the entire night had the aura of a “passing of the torch” as Pinot posted the set to remember. Pinot’s pocket was tighter, the arrangements more interesting, and the dynamic swells came at just the right moments kicking the party into a new gear every time. Its apparent that Pinot is taking the L.A. funky jam scene to the next level with the help of a remarkable vocalist in G. Curtis.

If you are a fan of Delta Nove and weren't at the show, you owe it to yourself to check out Pinot. The sheer tightness of the band alone created an instant respect for the players on stage, and once each member had their turn in the spotlight it was clear Pinot found something that works. If you have friends that think they can’t dance, take them to a Pinot show. If you haven’t already opened a new window to check out Pinot’s website you can do so here < http://www.pinotfunk.com/PINOT/PINOT.html>, and check in with SUPERGOODMUSIC for news on when you can get down with a funky glass of Pinot next.

Chicago Funk Fusion at The Mint

Continuing the trend of funk parading through The Mint during Jazzfest West, Sidewalk Chalk, a Chicago based group that fuses jazz, funk and hip-hop, hits their stage on Sunday night.

Lifting a page out of The Roots Organix and Do You Want More? handbooks, Sidewalk Chalk makes their best efforts to blend jazz informed bass and rhythms with a female vocalist and male MCs that guide you on a musical journey. Although not as tight as the Jimmy Fallon house band, Sidewalk Chalk is finding their way in a too infrequently explored musical space. Check out this video of them in the studio....

Hats & Shoes | Sidewalk Chalk | Studio 10 Sessions from David Burkart on Vimeo.

Funktober First Round Up

Los Angeles' autumn concert season opened on a high note this past Friday when Funktober First took over The Roxy. An intimate crowd of funk, soul and boogie enthusiasts gathered at 9009 Sunset Blvd. for what became a memorable, enjoyable and highly dance-able evening.

Things got started and were kept moving all night by KCRW's Jeremy Sole, who was performing in the DJ booth upstairs just above the SUPERGOODMUSIC banner. Playing a smattering of old school soul, including some choice Sly & The Family Stone, he had the crowd vibing out before Tha Boogie even stepped on stage.

Shortly after 9, the only act I had not yet seen on the bill, Tha Boogie, made their presence known. The group, led by two male and one female vocalist, entered with choreographed movements and extremely loud clothing.

Playing for about thirty minutes, Tha Boogie made sure the crowd did just that. The energy of the band seemed to leach into the crowd, as the band drew nearly all of the VIP section onto the dance floor to enjoy the rising band's set. Toe-tapping and butt-bumping with strangers before 10 pm signified that this night was just the music I was looking for.

Sadly, Tha Boogie did not play longer as I truly enjoyed their lively performance and exciting stage theatrics. Once Tha Boogie had wrapped up their set, Jeremy Sole resumed his duties as the nights mixmaster of ceremonies. I would love a copy of his playlist because he was spinning nothing but supergoodness as the not to sizeable crowd barely budged from the dance-floor.

Next up was The Soul of John Black - who confidently took to his guitar almost immediately. While the music was very enjoyable, TSJB lacked the driving rhythms and energy of his predecessor. The pleasant melodies emanating from the accomplished musician's guitar kept the mood right, but the slowed pace led many patrons to the bar for re-hydration.

John Black ripped his urban bluesy rock soul for a good half hour before retiring backstage and letting the funk take over the room again. Sole kept the crowd's ears saturated with funktober's finest beats for at least a half hour while the stage crew repositioned instruments and prepared for the 9 piece extravaganza that is Orgone.

The band opened with a nice dirty funk jam that again got almost the entire crowd to join them on the dance floor. The crowd, which had grown considerably between the end of TSJB and Orgone, definitely were ready to get down....and so was the band.

Running through a handful of original tracks from Killion Floor, Bacando and their latest release, Cali Fever, Orgone and Fanny Franklin reminded the crowd why they are not only the best funk band to ever come out of Los Angeles, but also the perfect act to headline Funktober First.

Fanny (pictured above and below), got absolutely wicked on the microphone. Her voice has so much range and her soul is so deep that she occasionally reminds me of Sharon Jones - just a very petite one. She killed on "Who Knows Who," amongst other originals, and as always, nailed vocals on some of my favorite covers - including "Ain't No Use," "Brothers on the Slide," and their P-Funk closer "Cosmic Slop."

The rest of the band, including Stewart Killen (pictured below), backed up Fanny quite nicely. Holding down a very heavy rhythm for about 90 minutes, Stewart and crew kept the crowds feet moving almost as quickly as Sergio's (guitarist) hands.

As the night wound down around 1 a.m., I couldn't help but be pleased with the enthusiasm the acts brought and the seeming delight of the intimate crowd. Although the venue was not packed full, Funktober First was a good step in the right direction for not only all the bands that performed, but SUPERGOODMUSIC as well. Couldn't be happier with the quality of sound(s) at our very first event at The Roxy.

2 Nights of New Orleans Funk!

Who Dat nation will be out celebrating at The Mint tonight and tomorrow before the football season kicks off because Rebirth Brass Band is coming to town.

The band is making their way up the California coast, with a stop at Saint Rocke on Friday and this weekends Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco too. However, if you want to indulge in them the way they should be enjoyed - you must get to The Mint for one of these two sure to be epic performances presented by Wagatail.

In existence for over 20 years and held down by rhythm and brass alike, including the great trumpet of Kermit Ruffins - this fun funktet is always spectacular. Always possible that you could see a second line rendition and presumably hear some Funky Meters covers. If you shut your eyes at the show, you might just feel like you're standing in the sticky swampy heat of The Maple Leaf. What is certainly guaranteed is that this gang of schooled musicians will bring that New Orleans funk fire for four sets over the next two nights at The Mint leading you to believe that you were sitting on Bourbon street or the set of a shooting of Treme as opposed to a 200 or so capacity concert venue in Los Angeles.

I couldn't be more excited to go tonight, and am happy we got some free tickets to @bryangrone for his almost instant DM in response to the offering. We still have a pair to give away for tomorrow nights show so hit up @supergoodmusic or our facebook page to win! Rules are simple, you must follow us on twitter and/or like us on facebook to win and send us a message or mention us in a tweet to increase your chances.

Back in Business - Orgone Pulled Out My O Face

It's so great to be back in Los Angeles. Things are moving forward in the music world - and LA is really the center of our music world. We quickly got back to it last night with stops at both Spaceland, for Orgone (pronounced Org-own, similar in sound to organ) and Nomo and then a stop at The Roxy for Scion's House Party featuring 12th Planet, amongst others.

With all the excitement, RCA ended up leaving his wallet at home...so the night started a little bit later than expected. Nonetheless, it was a funk-filled return to Los Angeles last night – as I basically went from the airport to Spaceland to see Nomo & Orgone throw it down.

Orgone, the female vocalized funk band from California, came on at about 10 p.m. and were nothing short of spectacular. In addition to the on fire rhythms coming from the bassist, drummer and percussionist - the three piece horn section did their part to round out the funkfest.

They rifled through material new and old, including several stretches of seamless transitions between songs that kept the energy going. You could’ve closed your eyes and thought you were in a bar in New Orleans in the ‘70s. Midway through their performance they had managed to assemble a little dance party near the front of the stage that they kept moving with heavy rhythms on “Funky Nassau” and a raucous cover of “I Get Lifted.” To make the vibe even cooler – DJ Nu Mark was in the house getting his boogie on too.

Having enjoyed themselves a bit too much on stage and with the crowd, Fanny Franklin led the pack through a speedy closer

Nomo came on a long forty minutes after Orgone stepped off stage. The Ubiquity label midwest natives showcased a different side of jazz - one that was a little less funky, a little more melodic, but nonetheless extremely rhythmic. Part of that rhythm was held down by Eric Hall, one of the two drummers performing, who also played rhythm guitar at times. He and Elliott, the bands ringleader, have been staples of Nomo since the bands birth in Ann Arbor.

Performing to a handsome size crowd, Nomo continued fueling the trend of dancing bodies on the dance-floor well past midnight. Unfortunately, we did not catch the end of their show...but that is because we went to The Roxy for Scion's event.

We didn't bring our camera inside, so we have no photos to share - but we'll try and remember to do that next time. Who knew so many dubstep hungry youngsters would come out on a Wednesday night? Not only did we shake with the fiery bass, we witnessed some feisty youngsters throw it down in the lobby, some American Apparel poster children getting freaky on the dance-floor and candy flippers and dope smokers getting arrested on the sidewalk. It had all the makings of a reality show a la Jersey Shore.