Marvelous Funkshun: Outstanding New Album ‘Instru-Mental’
Wilmington, North Carolina, is home to a super band that has been cranking out great funk, psychedelic rock, blues, and jam, all built upon the sacred steel tradition. Sam Robinson formed his Marvelous Funkshun back in 2012, and since then the band has delighted music fans throughout the South with dynamic live music.
In addition to Robinson’s dynamic playing and vocals, the music focuses around the incredible pedal steel guitar playing of Durell Randolph, who follows in that amazing sacred steel tradition. You probably know his famous uncle (yes, Robert).
For this fabulous new EP Instru-Mental, the band included Will Bagley on bass, Zach Landon on drums, and David Fulford on keyboards. especially Hammond B3. It was recorded at Earthtones Studio in Greensboro. The band wrote all of the tunes except The Meters’ beloved “Look-A Py Py.” The band is simply superb here, and you will notice that Randolph is at the center of the action, both here and on stage. These guys are killer!
“Pray-lude” is a short introduction to the band’s sound and to Randolph’s beautiful touch on the pedal steel guitar.
“WC40” is a really up tune, featuring dynamite guitar from Robinson, a great bass solo from Bagley, and Fulford dancing on the B3 before Randolph takes over. You cannot help but notice the solid platform that drummer Landon and Begley construct for each tune.
“Look-A Py Py” gets a fine treatment, with Robinson, Landon, and Randolph all taking turns.
“Beanie” has been in regular setlist rotation for years, and it is obvious to see why here. This is a gorgeous almost-ballad with everyone stepping out again, Randolph doubling down.
“Three is the Key” was released in January as a single. This just plain rocks! This is what you can expect in concert, because they crush each time they hit the stage.
“Outro” matches up with “Pray-lude,” making proper bookends for this tremendous set.
Do yourself a favor and dive right in!
Marvelous Funkshun
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