BRANDON — The John Funkhouser Quartet returns to Brandon Music on Saturday, Sept. 29 for its annual concert in the barn. The performance will feature songs on the group’s fifth CD, “Brothers” — the band’s first CD in five years. In typical Funkhouser form, the album is eclectic, with influences from South Africa, the Great American Songbook, Appalachia, India, New Orleans, ’70s prog rock, modern jazz and more.
The Quartet’s new music is full of empathy, fire, staggering technical displays, profound intimacy, joy and playfulness. Along with Funkhouser on keys, is Phil Sargent (guitar), Greg Loughman (bass), and Mike Connors (drums) — together they make a quartet of forward-thinking jazz musicians.
The title of the new album, as Funkhouser explains, comes from the relationship with his fellow band mates: “Improvised music has a curious and beautiful quality whereby you can get on stage with a musician you have never met before, play a set or two of music, and instantly develop a deep, lasting and even intimate friendship.”
Funkhouser has played with Sargent, Loughman and Connors for over 20 years, so the musical friendship has grown exponentially with time. “Brothers” is the title “because that’s what we are at this point,” Funkhouser added. “I think the bond that has formed between us, in all humility, shows in our spontaneity, spirit of exploration, freedom to take musical chances and say something controversial or to reveal feelings and thoughts that would remain guarded in less familiar company.”
Funkhouser and his quartet will play at 7:30 p.m., or come early for a three-course meal prepared by Chef Vicky Regia. Concert tickets are $20. The pre-concert dinner is an extra $25. Reservations are required for dinner and recommended for the show. Venue is BYOB.
Call (802) 247-4295, email [email protected] or visit brandon-music.net for more info.