Defunkt, funk for a new era
This punk-funk-jazz unit born in 1978 in New York City merged avant-garde with rocking, funky grooves. Over this period the band made 15 recordings on various independent labels and traveled throughout the world sharing the stage with countless numbers of popular artists including James Brown, David Burne and Talking Heads, The Clash, Hans & Candy Dulfer, Isaac Hayes, Prince, Larry Graham, Michelle N’dChello, Maceo Parker and countless others.
Defunkt is the first band to make a real fusion of popular and extreme music styles, also pioneers in early stages of rap music in the early 80’s. The band uncharacteristically has from the beginning performed at Jazz Festivals as well as Rock & Soul venues throughout the world, gaining cult like respect from musicians and underground music aficionados worldwide.
Defunkt has never gained huge commercial success due to unwillingness to compromise creativity and musical uniqueness and integrity for popular acclaim. The message of Defunkt has always been intended to be a “light” for the people in darkness, not a sedative for world sickness. The lyrics have always remained provocative and thought inspiring. Even in the ‘dark ages’ of Defunkt while struggling with drug addiction, lyrics focused on political awareness and issues of human suffering, perhaps making this musical blend unattractive to major record labels.
As the musical journey progressed and Buddhism entered the consciousness of Defunkt, the focus on community issues, family & humanity struggles, have become more of a priority than ever. The focus and uniqueness of this powerful, groovy Defunkt style of music has continued to grow and evolve in spite of the lack of commercial success. It is apparent now that this was a blessing in disguise, because we were able to stay grounded and connected to the realities of the humanity of all people. This has allowed us to mature to an amazing musical and spiritual level.
Defunkt is intent on composing and performing with great integrity, while keeping an open communication with reality and all humanity. We draw energy and inspiration from the experiences of all people, especially the children, who are responsible for the care of our future. We want to encourage learning and creativity as well as spiritual development which will nourish our nature of compassion which is vital in the understanding we must obtain to live together in the world, free from war, hate and destruction.
The music of Defunkt is a medicine for the suffering humanity, a pathway for the funky emancipation of your soul, and a mirror to expose your emons of insecurity. Open your eyes and ears and this burning fire of sound will help you get moving on the way to a fulfilling and positive life. Make Humanity a Priority.
Now, entering 2009 Defunkt celebrates its 30 year birthday with 4 different flavors.
Defunkt Big Band
A long-range life dream of Joe was to place the music of Defunkt into the Big Band idiom. In 1999 Joe’s brother, Byron arranged big band charts from a selection of classic Defunkt songs and the Defunkt Big Band was born. In the band was a “Who’s Who” of New York’s finest jazz musicians. The Debut concert was the Texaco Jazz Festival at the Knitting Factory in NYC. Following the Defunkt Big Band did a European tour playing festivals in Finland, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. The sound is absolutely “awesome”, the groove and power undeniable. There is no big band sound comparable...truly the sound of Defunkt merged into big band sensibility. This formation is absolutely awesome!!! Joe also works with Universities, professional and youth big bands throughout the world performing this music in a residency situation. Byron Bowie-conductor, Don Glasgo-assistant conductor. Joe Bowie - vocals/percussion/trombone.
In 2009 Joe combined forces with conductor/saxophonist/music educator Sigi Feigl and the Zagreb Jazz Orchestra to perform the Defunkt Big Band Music. We peformed concerts in Zagreb and Leibnitz, Austria. The music and vibrations were absolutely BURNING! The band includes musicians from Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Austria...a hot, new experience from Eastern Europe. We agreed to continue this new Defunkt Big Band formula and hope to perform many concerts throughout the world.
Joe & Sigi Feigl (Leibnitz 2009)
Defunkt Soul
In the early 90’s Joe organized his R&B, dream version of Defunkt with brilliant songstress, Kelli Sae... Hello! Defunkt “Soul”. Featured in this formation are some of the most dynamic funk/soul/R&B players in the world. Ronnie Mac Jenkins – bass, Scoota Warner – Drums, Bahnamous Bowie – keyboards, and Ronny Drayton – guitar. On Enemy Records, this group pioneered the pop/funk/R&B sound of Defunkt, featuring Kelli & Joe singing duets in classics like “See Through” and “Knuckle Sandwich”. The songwriting team of Kelli and Joe created a truly special and exciting sound in pop music in this period from 1990-1997. Recording highlights were “Cum Funky” and “One World”. This band returns in 2009 with the resurrection of the dynamic “Defunkt Soul”. Joe has given Defunkt "Soul" new life with the dynamic musicians of Defunkt "Soul" nEU Generation featuring dynamic young musicians of the EU...Linley Marthe (bass), Emma Lamadji (vocals), Michael Lecoq (keyboards, Rocco Zifarelli (guitar), Jon Grandcamp (drums). This band is AWESOME!
http://www.youtube.com/v/MUzLYdc47bg?fs=1&hl=de_DE