Funk This!: Brian Ogawa-bass, Chris Cleremont-vocals, guitar, Henrik Engquvist-drums, Poul Reimann-keys, Fabrizio Mandolini saxes. Special guests, Alex Acuna-percussion, Ellis Hall-Keys and vocals, Annette Marre-vocals, Jazzmin Sky-Vocals.
Soul Reason: Brian Ogawa-Bass, vocals, Mike Hoover-vocals, Percusision, Harmonica, Howie Stern-Guitar, Marty Bergenbauch-Drums.
Influences
We love everyone from, Miles Davis, Al Jarreau, George Benson, John Coltrane, Bird, Dizzy Gilespie, Duke Eliington's arranger, Billy Strahorn, Jeff Lorber, Michael Breaker, Pat Metheney, Mike Stern, my old roomate, Byron Miller, Byron Fry, Patrice Rushen, Fatburger, My good friend Joe Sampe, Latanya Hall, (my old band mate from college, and miss colorado), Monday Michiru, Marco Mendoza, Jane Brosnahan, Chuck Sparks, RB, Shawnee Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, Pearl Jam, Devo, Talking Heads, Doobie Brothers, David Sanborn, Marcus Miller, Return Forever, Jaco, Weather Report, Erika Baddu, Brand New Heavies, Zero 7, Morcheba, Seal, Jamiroqui, Tower of Power, Meters, Prince, (did his sessions in 78), James Brown, AVB, Reverand Al Green, Marvin Gaye, 4 Tops, Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks ( My Neighbor growing up) Stevie Wonder, and Stevie Ray Vaughn.
Brian has been involved in projects as diverse as: Barry White, Shalamar, Maxine Nightingale, Sam Glaser, Toshi Yanagi(Jimmy Kimmel Live) Shawnee Smith, Avalon, Guitar Jack, Michael Linkton(grammy award winning sax player) Dave Koz(in Jr High), Funk This!, Miriam Fay, B'Jarco and Deanna Johnston, Soul Reason, Byron Fry, Anita Baker, Johnathan Seibrant, Lava Moon, and many, many, others. Current projects are Funk This!, Soul Reason, Byron Fry, Jonhnathan Seibrant, Bishop Big Band, The Funky Beets.
The last project was Funk This! Below is excerpt from Liner notes
The Project, although brand new, was forged out of the friendships of three individuals, some 18 years ago, when Chris Clermont, Brian Ogawa, and Henrik Engquist met in a practice room on the first day of Music School, and soon became inseparable, playing everyday together during school under the name, "Felix the Cat".
After graduation, Henrik went back to Denmark, and Brian and Chris went on to tour and or record with the likes of, Barry White, Shalamar, MC Hammer Dr Dre, Maxine Nightingale, Rod Stewart, Brian Auger, Michelle, 10 to 1, Miriam Fay, Steve Tyrell, Deanna Johnston, and many, many others.
The Three lost touch with one another for some years, working in the music industry separately. Fast-forward 18 years, and through the miracle of the Internet, they were reunited. Henrik, having gone on to huge fame and success in Denmark (his last CD featured, Robben Ford, Frank Gambale, Jimmy Haslip, from the Yellow Jackets, and David Garfield) and Brian and Chris working in America, the three started scheming on how to once again play together, It was through this that Henrik worked out a tour and recording a CD in Denmark during Aug-Sept. 2004. This CD has live recordings from that tour, as well as the studio tracks finished in Jan. 2005 which also feature Alex Acuna on percussion and Ellis Hall from Tower of Power on vocals and keyboards. Additional special guest vocalists, Janet Sedlar(aka. Jasmin Sky) and Annette Maree. Jasmin Sky has released her own cd which can be bought at www.jazminsky.com
Added to the group is Fabrizio Mandolini on sax from Italy, and Poul Reimann ..boards, from Denmark, who immediately during the first rehearsal became, "brothers", as if in reenactment of that first meeting between the three. These two are also top musicians in their respective countries if not in the world.
This Project, as Chris likes to say, is more about friendship and brotherhood, then it is necessarily about music. The music is just the vehicle for expressing the friendship, and although, the music is smoking hot, hopefully we have communicated through the music the joy that camaraderie and friendship brings.
www.cdbaby.com/funkthis
www.brianogawa.com
www.funkthis.biz
www.eastsideartists.com
Just wanted to stop by ur page and say have a blessed new year ! Make sure to check out my music and Become a Fan on FB., thanks. Stay blessed and keep in touch my new friend :)
Hej! Hvis du har lyst og tid, så har vi lavet vores myspace side helt om i forbindelse med 4 nye numre der er uploadede. Kom endelig ind giv det et lyt i de nye omgivelser! Mvh. Lisa
Hi there! Please visit our site and listen to 4 completely new songs!
Our beloved colleagues!
Thank you for your friendship!
Watch us and enjoy!
We are looking for a manager, who will help us to participate major Jazz Festivals and/or book concert tours overseas.
Sincerely,
Armen Martirosian, artistic director, AJB
Wow... you sound fantastic. Some serious funky grooves. "Ungawa" is hip! When you get to Austin, I look forward to catching you live. Let me know if I can help with the recording project. Best wishes,
Hey Brian. Thanks for the add request. Of course your on Board. I was just hangin with C.Clearmont this weekend. We have been rockin Vegas lately and lovin every minute of it. Love "Ungawa". Miss ya man! All the Best.
