The Meters, Sly & The Family Stone, The Temptations, Weather Report, James Brown, Shuggie Otis, Stevie Wonder, Ohio Players, The Funk Brothers, Donny Hathaway, Karl Denson, Average White Band, Breakestra, Maceo Parker, Prince, Eric B. and Rakim, Grant Green, John Scofield, Rick James, Medeski Martin and Wood, Danny Gatton, Frank Zappa, Herbie Hancock, Soulive, Jimi Hendrix, D'angelo, Charles Mingus, Tower of Power, Wayne Shorter, Earth Wind & Fire, Dr. John, & Johnny "Guitar" Watson.
Michigan based funk-soul collective MIDTOWN UNDERGROUND was formed in the summer of 2002 in the art district of downtown Pontiac, MI. Through informal jam sessions at an underground rehearsal studio and local clubs, the band and its sound expanded, with frequent guests from the famed Detroit music scene setting in. MU is known for their high energy and spontaneous live shows.
Each member of the band contribute unique influences that shape the overall group sound. JAZZ, FUNK, SOUL, OLD SCHOOL HIP-HOP, R&B, TWANG AND ROCK are among the primary influences. The MU rhythm section serves as the engine room, providing kinetic energy for group improvisation. The versatile and roots oriented vocal approach embrace many styles and the experimental solo sections keep things interesting. Although the band takes great pride in paying homage to their musical heroes, the prevailing mindset is without question progressive.
In 2005 MU published their first recording (available online through i-Tunes, Amazon.com, and CDbaby.com), a self titled EP that was initially intended only for promotional use. The overwhelming fan-base helped push the band to the forefront of the Metro Detroit Music scene. MU is now known as one of the top live acts playing in the Detroit area, home for many of the worlds most outstanding and influential artists.
Since then, the band has received several accolades including 3 Detroit Music Award nominations in the Urban-Funk category, headline performances at the Motor City Music Conference, Motown Winter Blast, Arts, Beats & Eats, and most notably a spotlight performance for the 2007 DETROIT INTERNATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL.
In 2007 the band began laying tracks for a full-length studio album, titled "Somethin' Else". For the better part of 2 years, the band experimented with, recorded, and tweaked their sounds in multiple studios around Detroit. The end result was a mix from all of those sessions and can be classified as truly something else. This new recording provides a snapshot of where MU has been and where they are going. The overwhealming response to this new album has been unbelievable. The CDs can be purchased at CDBaby.com and at any of MU's live performances. If you don't have a copy, get one!
THE MISSION: Innovation. Truth. Respect. Improvisation. Meaning...
Hi guys! Rumor has it you will be in Kalamazoo June 20! Very exciting! Hope all is well with end of school year/summer's comin'/June festivities! Take care!
Everything is everything brutha!!! Ya need ta getcha ass out here so we can show ya round!! Chad just sent me a coy of the new LP......UN-F'N-BELIEVABLE bro, you guys have yet again completely blown my mind.....it's good to have some sounds of home out here.
