Tim Hensley-Drums
Alonzo Leggett-Percussion
Andrew Scorti-Bass
J- Saxaphones
Nappyhead-Keys/Tables
John Gentry Jr-Guitar
Alumni:
Christian Roebles-
Ry Stephenson
- Joseph Burkens
Jared Manker
Justin Toddhunter
Nick Tuttle
Influences
8BJ are best described as an all instrumental, highly improvisational, Jamband. They draw on many influences, including Jazz/Fusion, Rock, Hip-Hop, Latin, and of course Funk.
8 Ball Junkies began in 2001 as a purely instrumental vehicle for a loose knit group of studio musicians from Cincinnati Ohio. Ry Stephenson (drums) Jared Manker (bass) and Justin Toddhunter (guitar) were gigging under the name, and pulled in Producer/DJ Shawn Shiveley (professionally known as Nappyhead) and Percussionist Alonzo Leggette to add to their fiery chemistry. The group began a weekly residency at a local club that honed their improvisational skills, and expanded their repertoire. You were likely to hear Phish segue into Medeski, Martin, and Wood or the Meters followed by Napphead spinning Eminem A Capella's while the band held the beat. 8 Ball Junkies would tackle almost any material from Allman Brothers to Zappa. In 2002, Justin left to pursue his education and introduced the band to Joseph Burkens who took over the guitar duties. With this line-up the Junkies drew on other influences as varied as Bluegrass and Hip-Hop which meshed perfectly with their improvisational attitude. The groups following quickly grew. Many other local musicians on set breaks from their gigs across the street or around the corner would stop in and were always welcomed to sit in. In late 2003, Joseph relocated to Colorado. Nick Tuttle joined the band and brought a Latin flavor and traditional Jazz to the Junkies sound. Louis Banfa, Wes Montgomery and Santana would pop into set lists.
At the end of 2004, the band decided to utilize many of the relationships they'd built with very talented musicians in a studio setting. The sessions began with Jared Manker and Nappyhead laying the foundations and the grooves of Alhambra Palace in Naps home studio. Ry Stephenson handled the drum chores, and contributed to the writing process as well. There were many discussions on what makes great instrumental music, and then listening to lots of instrumental music. A lot of effort was placed in writing good catchy melodies that you could sing. Nick Tuttle and John Gentry Jr (Rays Music Exchange, DaLemmings) were brought in next to layer the guitars. Saxophone, flute, melodica and other accents were added by J (4-Track All Stars). Michael "Maddog" Mavridoglou (Jazz Mandolin Project) played some of the blazingest trumpet allowed by law. And Bootsy Collins' protege FreekBass was called upon for the funk-ladden Mu-tron Bass he is so well known for. Sixteen months later the 8 Ball Junkies are ready to unleash "Alhambra Palace" on the world of unsuspecting music fans.
We are very excited about playing at such an awesome jazz club. We have some great sets lined up for you, so don't miss it. Friday and Saturday November 20th and 21st, 5:00-8:30p at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago
Aaron Koppel -Guitar, Matt Nelson; (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) -Keyboard, Graham Czach; (Chicago Afrobeat Project) -bass, Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos) -drums
THIS TUESDAY October 13th at 9p Aaron Koppel Quartet,Kelli Rudick,S Joel Norman Tuesday, 10/13, 9p @Martyrs 3855 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60613
The Aaron Koppel Quartet performing original music from "The Wild Call Of The Multi-Tasker" and their new album "Falling Together Falling Apart", covers by Radiohead and James Brown. New album will be available for purchase at the show. 21+ Cover $7
Mark your calendars! A great new album is set to be released! October 24th "Coming Home" will be celebrated at Play by Play in Silverton. Thanks for being our friend here on myspace and we hope to see you in the real world on the 24th.
This guy has been emailing me saying he hates my rapping. I feel my time is running out. Cremate me so this doesn't happen.
Also, here's a new free download for you. It's called "Gigapet". The instrumental is from the classic Co Flow's "Little Johnny from the Hospital" album. Enjoy.
I also just released a new funky album "Outcries from a Sea of Red" which is now available! You can preview and order/download by clicking this link to CD Baby:
If you dig it, please support my music by purchasing the music through my website or CD Baby. Only you can support original and independent music!
My debut single ROLLIN' IN THE HEY just broke into the top 75 on the Music Row Breakout Chart WITH A BULLET!!!. Also I was just featured in the "Listen Up" section of COUNTRY WEEKLY!!! Visit my page and click on the Country Weekly free download button to get your copy of the debut single.
My debut single ROLLIN' IN THE HEY is currently #84 on the Music Row Breakout Chart and is poised to move into the top 75. Request it at your local radio station today. Also the CD is finally available. Visit my page or click on the album cover below to hear samples and buy it now! TAKE ADVANTAGE NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY SPECIAL BY BUYING MORE THAN ONE COPY AND RECIVEING DISTRIBUTOR PRICING!!!
Online Now!
