playlist #15 | Jazz and Funk Collective Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy is an exceptional musical group composed of world-class jazz fusion instrumentalists led by bassist Michael League. Their collective talent has earned them multiple Grammy awards, and each member has achieved solo success as well. What sets Snarky Puppy apart is their unwavering commitment to the group, despite individual triumphs. This unity and bond are evident in their music and performances, often held in intimate settings where the audience receives headphones to experience the recording session firsthand. With masterful performances combined with innovative compositions, they have garnered critical acclaim for being truly exceptional in every way.

Lingus (We Like It Here, 2014)

“Lingus” by Snarky Puppy, featured on their album “We Like it Here,” holds a special place in your heart. The song starts with a powerful horn arrangement that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. As the piece progresses, it builds up with intricate layers of instrumentation and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the band’s tight-knit ensemble playing.

Among various recordings of “Lingus,” most of your favorite rendition is found on the album “We Like it Here.” What makes this version stand out is Cory Henry’s remarkable keyboard solo. Cory, who also enjoys a successful solo career, reimagines the “Lingus” solo with his insane imrpvisations and influences from jazz, soul, gospel, and even classical traditions. This song takes listeners on an exhilarating musical journey outside of the form before returning with an earth-shattering groove.

Shofukan (We Like It Here, 2014)

“Shofukan” displays elegantly shaped melodies and velvety timbres. The song begins with a murmur guitar riff that evokes the Middle Eastern feel, establishing a unique ambience. When the horn section comes in, Snarky Puppy’s characteristic compositional style and sound become evident.

Trumpeter Justin Stanton is the key performer in “Shofukan.” His solo takes prominence as the band lowers its intensity to give him center stage. Stanton’s performance is superb—fluid and robust, utilizing sustained notes and skillful runs to construct a dynamic and fulfilling solo. In the end of the song, the awaited unison melody finally makes the memorable moment by all instruments.

What About Me? (We Like It Here, 2014)

“What About Me?” is a fusion-jazz rock tune with the driving drumbeat and energetic guitar riffs. If you are fan of big band ensemble, you’re likely already acquainted with Snarky Puppy’s signature horn sections and arrangements, which are also present in this song.

The performance of drummer Larnell Lewis in “What About Me?” is truly remarkable. His groovy phrases and syncopation stand out without becoming excessively complex while guitarist Bob Lanzetti soon joins in, evoking memories of Jimi Hendrix’s fuzzy and distorted sounds. Two talents engage in a shared solo that gradually escalates into an astonishing moment listeners will never forget.

Bad Kids to the Back (Immigrance, 2019)

“Bad Kids to the Back,” a sharp and confident track penned by trumpeter-keyboardist Justin Stanton in the album “Immigrance”, lives up to its playful name and effectively utilizes the rotating rhythm section. The intricate rhythms are guaranteed to quench your thirst for engaging time signatures. It’s simple to become engrossed in the drum patterns and overlook the tenor saxophone and guitar layers above that harmonize perfectly with the rhythm, creating a cohesive musical motion.

The music video, directed by Michaël Alcaras and Stella K, underscores the dynamics of the track by highlighting accents, breaks, melodies, and other expressive musical elements of Justin’s composition. This visual aid helps viewers connect with Snarky Puppy’s vast percussive enthusiasm.

Xavi (Immigrance, 2019)

Xavier Hernández Creus, more commonly known as “Xavi,” was a maestro midfielder in Barcelona. While there’s no explicit suggestion from this Brooklyn-based “jazz fusion group” Snarky Puppy that this song was inspired by Mr. Hernández (though a Catalan club shirt does make an appearance in the Behind The Scenes video of the song), it could certainly serve as an apt tribute to “Xavi”.

“Xavi”, written by the band leader Michael League, is built on unique sections developed by each of Snarky Puppy’s three inhuman drummers - Jamison Ross, Jason “JT” Thomas and Larnell Lewis. The rest of the band’s flutes, horns and violin lines weave around the song in a dizzying fashion. As soon as you think it has run its course, a percussive interlude revives you for another equally intricate segment. As thrilling as it is hard to guess what’s to come next, one can only imagine how much enjoyment comes from this ensemble.

Tarova (Culcha Vulcha, 2016)

Snarky Puppy’s second studio album “Culcha Vulcha” was honored with the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016, marking their return to a genuine studio recording after an extended period.

The album’s tone is distinctly different right from the beginning, with the opening track, “Tarova,” exhibiting an especially dense and opulent texture. The studio setting facilitates the inclusion of more instruments into the mix at any moment without disrupting the balance of the track.

Thing of Gold (GroundUP, 2012)

“Thing of Gold,” the catchy first track of the album “GroundUP”, is characterized by ethereal Moog synth, high-life guitar, classical string, reggae horns, and multifaceted yet solid drum beats.

The band in what many refer to as “progressive jazz” are carving out a new path. It doesn’t neatly fit into fusion, contemporary, bebop or traditional jazz categories. Snarky Puppy is crafting something distinctive and occasionally inspiring that’s entirely their own. They touch upon a wide range of musical styles while adhering to coherent classic root orchestrated by the bassist & band leader Michael League’s dedicated conduct.

(header image credit: wikipedia - We Like It Here)