Greta Cornett - trumpet
Dave Clapsaddle - saxaphone
Chris Nicholas - trombone
Caleb Riley - bass(primary), guitar, vocals
Jason Larson - guitar
Influences
john doan,
leo kottke
tower of power
prince
parliment & funkidelic
miles davis
charles mingus
stevie ray vaugn
herbie hancock
ornette coleman
b.b. king
dave brubeck
john scofield
medeski, martin, & wood
charlie hunter
primus
bestie boys
al dimeola
bill frisell
john john coltrane
the princes of babylon
the bad plus
victor wooten
regi wooten
bela flek & the flektones
Sounds Like
john doan,
leo kottke
tower of power
prince
parliment & funkidelic
miles davis
charles mingus
stevie ray vaugn
herbie hancock
ornette coleman
b.b. king
dave brubeck
john scofield
medeski, martin, & wood
charlie hunter
primus
bestie boys
al dimeola
bill frisell
john coltrane
the princes of babylon
the bad plus
victor wooten
regi wooten
bela flek & the flektones
Fort Collins, CO—The eclectic mix of musical education behind the Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra is simply astounding. The band’s six members have spent lifetimes learning and perfecting their crafts—all the while dedicated to the goal of creating a unique and powerful sound.
“We apply jazz form and theory to every style of music imaginable,” says Caleb Riley, “from funk to Latin to rock to metal.” Riley, the classically trained front man and bassist for CRFO, starting building on his understanding of music theory at a young age, hopping from viola to guitar to bass—the instrument that would capture his heart and catapult his career. But to satisfy Riley’s love for jazz, funk, Latin and soul, he needed more musicians to play the songs he was composing around his heavy, groove-oriented bass lines.
The first step in assembling Riley’s concerto was the addition Jason Larson, a veteran guitar player and no stranger to the national music scene. Next came the horn section, with Greta Cornett on trumpet, Dave Clapsaddle on saxophone, members of local superstar band 12 Cents for Marvin who have shared stages with the likes of The Skatalites, Ozomatli, Buckethead and Fishbone.Next was Eunice, Louisiana drummer Dave Nezat, whose Cajun-inspired beats became the heartbeat of the unstoppable dance machine that is CRFO. The last piece of the puzzle was Chris Nicholas. A formidable player with a doctorate in composition and an undergraduate in classical trombone.
This gumbo of experience and influence informs the musical arrangements written by Riley, whose ambitious energy seeps into his composing, playing and singing. “We want to cross genres, but also redefine them,” he says, revealing the heart of a musician always challenging himself to break new, uncharted ground. The success of this recipe is evident on the band’s first album, Fat Lip, which could make a dead man dance with its outrageous energy and soul.
Amongst all this genre jumping and cross-pollinating, CRFO has already shared National stages with Bruce Hornsby, Los Lobos, Little Feat, backed Dj Logic for a Widespread Panic Afterparty, and has played the Festival International de Louisiane, one thing remains constant in the Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra—the unmistakable, dance-friendly groove. From the mouth of the composer himself—“In this band, the groove drops HARD.”
The Caleb Riley Funk Orchestra's Friend Space (Top 8)
How are you? Just trying to gather opinions on our music. If you aren't busy, please come by our page and let us know what you think! Thanks for your time! Horns and Hails!
Sorry to spam you, we know it's lame. But, we're releasing our debut CD Zugenruhe next Friday (May 22nd) at Avogadro's Number right here in Fort Collins, and we would really love to see you there! The show starts at 9pm and is all ages and only costs $3. There will be an afterparty to be announced at the show. Thanks for putting up with our shameless self promotion. We really hope you can make it. -Alana, Brett & Erin (Stella Luce)
TONIGHT AT HAMILTON'S ON LINDEN...BOOM NITE HOSTED BY DEEJAY MAGAFIRE W/ SPECIAL GUEST DAVID OCHOA (TEN TIMERS, SPRUCE GOOSE RECORDS) PARTY STARTS AT 10 PM...NO COVER...DOLLAR PBR'S AND RED STRIPES...REGGAE.HIP-HOP.DANCEHALL.REMIXES...EVERY TUESDAY!!!
Hey, It's Dave Clupper. If I haven't told you thank you for your support yet, thank you! Check out the video below for a live clip shot from Downtown Tulsa with my daughter Ellen. Also, stop by my profile and enjoy a majority of my new record "Letting Go" released earlier this month. If you want to own a copy, look for the Buy Now Button on my profile or to just own a track, visit iTunes by clicking here. Talk soon!
We just posted Steps To The Top for FREE DOWNLOAD!!! You can visit HoldenYoungMusic.com and click on the Music section. We are gearing up to record our next project this Summer and want everyone to enjoy last year's release for FREE. Thanks for listening and we'll hope to see you at a show soon.
We would like to invite you to, 2 BIG shows this weekend
3/6 - TBR will be performing in the Alice 105. 9 “Almost Famous” battle of the bands, @ Hermans Hideaway. This is a 21+ show, we hit the stage @ 9pm.
Come to the show, and receive 2 FREE tickets for Sat. 3/7 Opening Day @ Infinity Park/ Glendale Raptors Rugby.
3/7 - All Ages!!! 1pm Opening Day @ Infinity Park Rugby stadium in Glendale Colorado. Infinity Park will present concerts all season with some of Colorado’s best local, up and coming artist. The Best Response is honored to be selected to perform live at this new Amazing venue!!! Come join us for a full day of Rugby and live music.
Warming up for St. Patrick's Day! Stop by our site and check our March schedule for a gig near you. Hope to see you at a show. Enjoy our new video "Whiskey Tonight" and stop by our site for a FREE download of the new song. Cheers!
I played a show last night @ Cheba Hut w/ Caleb Riley and Clint Wilcox (as well as SPECIAL jammin by Dave Clapsaddle and Jeff Bostic) and had an AMAZING evening of music.....when I awoke this morning, I had the same thought in my head as last night, which is, Caleb Riley is amazing....he's an incredible musician, human being, and creative force. We had sooo much fun, and he really makes my job musically a lot easier, because he is always there to throw a lob to for an amazing musical DUNK! So, thank you Caleb, Clint, and all of our friends who have made these "acoustic" Cheba shows so wonderful to be a part of......I am starting a non-profit w/ Scott the owner of the Hut (another really solid human being who cares about people) and we will be brining the arts, music, and money to children in our community that would not have the access to these things normally.....more on that, and other events soon, but a heartfelt thanks to everyone for making my musical journey a fun, and rewarding one....
Hey, Gripweed is playing in Loveland Friday night @ Out of Bounds! We have comp tix so the show is free, bring some canned food, and let's dance the night away!! Peace, hope to see you there!