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Funkolution:
Turkuaz Helps Bring Funk to the Mainstream | by Dwayne Hoover
sarily know. In terms of your average person, I think a lot of people are learning what funk is for the first time, which is cool.” The band works diligently to bring its “Powerfunk” sound to the masses, not only with seemingly constant touring, but hen one thinks of funk music, it’s also an ability to crank out a significant number of well-arranged easy for the mind to leap to some of the genre’s early tunes. Turkuaz’s last album, Digitonium, boasted 24 tracks, and pioneers like James Brown and George Clinton. the band is continuously writing more, even while touring. And while it certainly never died off after its “On the road we have kind of a mobile demo production peak in the ’70s, funk has been making a significant comeback rig that we bring around,” Brandwein said. “Sometimes we’ll in recent times thanks to a number of modern bands that are be on tour, in a van or on the bus, writing and helping to propel its popularity. demoing stuff.” One such group, Turkuaz, has been a major But the hard work is paying off — Turkuaz player in the genre’s resurgence. This nine-piece Turkuaz has been enjoying some notoriety that’s brought Bell’s Eccentric Cafe ensemble out of Brooklyn enjoys a dedicated 355 E. Kalamazoo Ave., the group to the cusp of mainstream success, innational following thanks to its relentless tourKalamazoo cluding a viral Facebook video with more than ing schedule and aggressive, yet accessible songs. March 19, 9 p.m. 2 million views and the New York Knicks using “These last maybe 10 years, (funk) is just grow$15 advance, $18 day of the band’s music at games. ing all the time,” said Dave Brandwein, vocalist show, 21+ Brandwein is excited for the future of not and guitarist. “It’s definitely around, and it’s a bellsbeer.com, (269) 382-2332 only his band, but the genre as a whole. He word that I think a lot of people don’t even neces-
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Turkuaz credits a growing number of groups who have been major contributors to this revolution of funk, including Lettuce, The Fritz, The Motet, Dynamo, Space Capone, Juno What?, Dumpstaphunk and Chromeo. “There are just so many emerging in the scene,” Brandwein said. “It just seems like it’s a really prominent thing, especially in the live festival scene.” n