Marvelous Funkshun, one of North Carolina's best-kept musical secrets, is starting to garner some attention. Following their 2023 EP Instru-Mental, the Winston-Salem-based band has released a new single "Harris the Hater" and is preparing for a performance with George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, featuring the legendary bassist of The Meters. This recognition has been a long time coming for band leader Sam Robinson.
Robinson, who formed Marvelous Funkshun in 2014, has over a decade of experience blending psychedelic rock, classic funk, electric blues, and jam rock with the essence of sacred steel. As a veteran live musician, Robinson once shared in the Winston-Salem Journal during the COVID concert lockdown that he had played at a fundraiser and a Widespread Panic after-party in Raleigh on the same day.
While Robinson initiated the group, the band's signature sound revolves around the pedal steel guitar of Durell Randolph, nephew of the renowned Robert Randolph. Randolph's mastery has introduced the time-honored instrument to a new generation of musicians and fans. The band also includes Will Bagley on bass, Zach Landon on drums, and Ian McIsaac on keyboards.
In their latest release, "Harris the Hater," Marvelous Funkshun enlisted additional talent from blues guitarist Eric Gales and New Orleans icon John "Papa" Gros. This instrumental track features a fusion of Robinson's sharp lead guitar, Randolph's dynamic pedal steel, Gros' vibrant organ, and Gales' intense psychedelic guitar. Robinson noted that the song drew inspiration from various artists including Snarky Puppy's Mark Lettieri, The Meters, Ghost-Note, and some of Gales' earlier, heavier work.
Robinson explained how the song concept originated during his COVID-19 recovery, saved as a phone memo which he revisited years later to develop into a full track. This quick studio assembly showcased the band's efficient creative process.
Their upcoming gig supporting George Porter Jr. on August 23rd at the second annual Green Street Funk Jam in Winston-Salem promises exciting collaborative performances. Marvelous Funkshun has a history of sharing the stage with notable artists like Porter, Gales, the late Kofi Burbridge, Snoop Dogg, and more. Their repertoire even includes a tribute to The Meters with a cover of "Look-Ka Py Py" featured in Instru-Mental.
After the Green Street Funk Jam, Marvelous Funkshun will continue touring, with dates in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Radford, VA. Fans can find tickets and a complete tour schedule on Marvelous Funkshun’s website, and listen to "Harris the Hater" via the online player.
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