February news from Stefan’s adventures in Funkland

Dear all,

Rodgers and Hammerstein have been amazingly creative and successful musicians who have gifted us, amongst many other offerings, with the iconic ?Favourite Things? from the musical ‘The Sound of Music’.

Having been back to my country of origin in January to play some smokin? gigs with Backwood Five and introducing vocalist Helena May to the local music scene and culinary habits – has resulted into serious myth busting: absolutely NO ONE eats ?Schnitzel with noodles’ in Austria – or anywhere else in Europe to my knowledge (although I?ve been tempted to try – I prefer ‘Cordon Bleu’:-)

On a more ‘bassic’ note – the London Bassguitar Show is upon us (Sat 3rd and Sun 4th of March) and I?m very much looking forward to listen to all the bassists, check out new gear and most of all have a good ol’ natter with all my friends from the bass community – players, manufacturers, distributors and all. You probably find me at my favourite table next to the coffee shop chatting away – always good fun!

[photo courtesy of Jay Denes and Aguilar Amplification]

In May 2008 the Funkestra (Mike Sturgis, Eran Kendler, Dave Limina, Jim Hunt) went to Mark Knopfler’s ?British Grove? Studios in Chiswick to record ?Concubine Chronicles? – I?m delighted to be back again to record the first album with the Staks – I?ll definitely take a stack of basses and amps with me:-)

UPCOMING GIGS

Tue 27th of Feb (TONIGHT), The Staks feat. Eli ‘Paperboy’ Reed and Natalie Imbruglia, London, Bush Hall
Book Now

Fri 9th of March, Redtenbacher?s Funkestra feat. Helena May, London, 606 Club
Book Now

Sat 17th of March, Hugh Turner Funk Quartet, Reading Global Caf?
Further Info

Sat 24th of March, Gavin Bown Jazz Quartet, Haslemere, White Horse
Further info

BENEATH THE BASSLINE (The Movie)

Wed 21st of March, RNCM Exclusive Screening with the Director of the Film Q&A with director Nick Wells and Stefan at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester.
Further info

RSB RECORDS

Our new Funkestra release feat. vocalist Helena May is in the final stages of mixing and I can?t wait to shortly present you with the first sonic fruits of our labour!

Update on the ‘Big Funk Band’ Funkestra album – I’m delighted to announce that after recording our very own Mike Sturgis on drums, we now have further fantastic drum performances ‘in the can’ by Keith Carlock, Benny Greb, Stanton Moore and Francesco Mendolia. I’m having – naturally – a blast tracking these tracks – it’s going to be an epic!

If you like my adventures in Funkland – please support us by downloading any of our offerings on RSB Records – much appreciated!

See you in person soon at one of the above events!

Carpe funkem,

Stefan