current projects
The JunkYard Horns are a 12-piece instrumental experimental jazz/funk ensemble fronted by a 7-piece horn section that features some of Nashville’s best musicians. Described as " TOWER OF POWER MEETS JAMES BROWN MEETS FRANK ZAPPA" and created in 1995 as a 3-piece sax section, which fronted the regional band “The Guy Smiley Blues Exchange”, the ensemble has seen many incarnations over the years and has now settled into the massive musical tank that it is! Incorporating effect pedals on the horns, a DJ, group improvisation, intricately arranged melodies, and alternative playing techniques, the JY Horns put on a show that is high energy, musically interesting, has a strong groove, and full of personality not only musically, but visually! This band is a power house that you will NOT want to miss...ever!!!!
Born under the influence of classic New Orleans tradition, Halfbrass creates festive atmospheres out on the street and all the way back to the stage by mixing second-line brass band music with funk, jazz and rock. Audiences love Halfbrass for its unique sound and party-like shows – in its first year, Halfbrass was named a "Top 5 Local Band" by The Nashville Rage. Since their debut in 2002, Halfbrass has continued to deliver their sound to audiences across the country. The band is a hit at events of all shapes and sizes. They have performed for groups including The Food Network, The Nashville Roller Girls, Tomato Art Fest, ASCAP, Berklee College of Music, and Vanderbilt University.
Halfbrass has recorded and played with national & local artists including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Charlie Peacock, Bekka Bramlett, Old Union, and many others.
The Bottom 40 is a high-energy funk, jazz fusion band featuring some of Nashville's finest musicians. We focus on making it funky! We take covers you've heard and reharmonize them and funkify them in a creative new way. If you like "Dirty Loops" or "Snarky Puppy" or even bands like Earth Wind and Fire, you should check us out...The musicianship will blow you away! Lead by keyboardist/composer/film scorer Michael Whittaker, the band features an all-star lineup including Adam Nitti, Tom Hemby, Dominic Amato, Chris West, Marcus Finnie, and many more. The band has opened for Jacob Collier, and has featured several all star guests such as Keith Carlock and Jeff Berlin.
