Currently Cleve Freckleton-Fender Rhodes and vocals, Hamlet Luton-bass, Isaac Heywood-drums and Ben Barker-guitar
Influences
The list is innummerable but I will take time to say thank you, to all the "soul mamas and papas" and the "faith stirring" gospel singers who laid a foundation so I can do what I do now - OTIS, STEVIE, JAMES, ARETHA, SAM, MARVIN, ISAAC, RAY, DONNY, BILL, ROBERTA, SMOKEY, MARVA; ANDRE CROUCH, JAMES CLEVELAND, MAHALIA JACKSON, THE HEAVENLY HOPES, THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA and the list goes on and on and on. Many have gone but by virtue of this soulful legacy will never be forgotten.
Founded and fronted by Leeds based former preacher turned frontman Cleve "Rev Chunky" Freckleton. CBF have been spreading the "love vibe" home and abroad for the past 6 years. Having served an apprentiship in gospel music which still influences the bands sound to this day, "The Rev" has gone on to front several outfits but none so spritually vibrant as Chunky Butt Funky.
The bands name emerged from its first gig at the Lendle Cellars in York where a prize was offered because the band did not have a name at that time. Suggestions were placed in a hat and a draw made. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name of the winner which was drawn by my stepdaughter Chelsea but the name of the band is now etched in musical history. In 2002 CBF were approached by Leeds City Council to perform in Durban,South Africa with whom the city has a civil twinning agreement. The experience left an indelible mark on the band who have since returned twice by special request and popular demand.
This is one band you really have to see to understand the impact that they have on the crowd. People testify to be moved to tears or spiritually uplifted by the "Chunky" experience.
The prospects for the future are rosy as plans are afoot for an album but in the meantime why dont you check out Rev Chunky and Chunky Butt Funky at a venue near you.
Peace
Hi Promoting a gig : Cool Blues and Hot Gypsy Jazz Kyla Brox and The Samuel C Lees Quartet Two Acts : One Show 7 November The University of Sheffield A special ticket offer is available subejct to availability. Please hurry and book since the early booking offer might be removed after a short period. Box office is : 0114 222 8968 and quote special code UN1 You get £2 off the ticket price i.e. £10 Kyla Brox "Blues Diva" The Samuel C Lees Quartet "Fans of Hot Club and Django should not miss this Band!"
An Evening of Cool Blues and Gypsy Jazz Saturday 7 November @ 8pm University House The University of Sheffield Tickets £12 Call 0114 222 8968 Two Headline Acts : One Show Kyla Brox : The Blues runs deep through her original material, but she builds on that to create her own sound. Kyla often headlines at festivals though out the UK, Europe, Australia and Asia.After a live session on BBC2 Radio, Kyla is now coined with the nickname "The Voice". The Samuel C Lees Quartet is one of the UK's leading exponents of swinging Gypsy Jazz. The Quartet also features "Eva Gray"on vocals. Fans of Django and Hot Club Gypsy Jazz should not miss this band !
Saturday 10 October Chris Jagger's Atcha! 'Top-notch Cajun- flavoured R&B' Plus Chris Powers MC and DJ 10 October The University of Sheffield Call 0114 222 8968 The band is fronted by the youthful, charismatic brother of, you guessed it, Mick Jagger. They play straight forward, honest tunes that you just have to dance to. Their new album clearly cements the band's position amongst the finest exponents of earthy Swamp Blues, Cajun and Roots-Rock.
Without further a do we are pleased to announce the studio is open.
The large live room has acoustically isolated zones, vocal booth, digital capabilities and extensive analogue mixing and mastering facilities.
Contemporary interior design with furniture from bmw and deep shag pile carpets, provided together with excellent engineers, affordable rates, fresh coffee and a private terrace we have created one of the best studios in the north for you.
SWING BABY LIVE MUSIC SHOWCASE SUN 23RD AUG CARNIVAL SPECIAL @ BAR MUSIC HALL!
Swing Baby Live Music Showcase is back for the true lovers of music and quality entertainment. Whether you love Jazz, Electro, Indie, Hip Hop or pure soul, we will tickle your toes at some point! Come down and support and appreciate quality music from some of UK's most precious musical gems. We promote a platform where live music and dance share the same breathe, some come and shake a leg with us!
Featuring some of UKs most talented gems, help support our talented British artists!!
Emeli Sande - Electroacoustic songstress with a smooth of edge soul - one to look out for! www.myspace.com/emelisande
Cleve, So glad I stayed for your set last night at Limetree. It was just like old times - You've still got more energy than the National Grid too! Inspirational stuff (and the sound was fantastic). Keep doing what you do. (Phat) PAT
Hope you come back to Factory Street again...I sat at the piano and the music flowed like a river after spending the afternoon with you. Thanks Cleve,you're one of a kind! Liz x
Just wanted to say Hi and Thanks for the inspiration and advice on Sunday at Factory St. Studios. Look forward to catching up with you at one of your gigs.
Thanks so much for your thoughts on our music- really pleased you like. When are you playing in Leeds again- was ill when you last played so couldn't make it but I'd really like to see you live again soon! Your sound is wonderful XXX
