Codename

Codename is a fusion of tightly composed, high-energy progressive-rock arrangements, complimented by jazzy harmonies and funked out dance grooves. Their show is a true experience. The soulful connection is apparent between Adam Nash (keys/piano), Jon Joffe (guitar), Greg Halbkram (bass), and Sal Galati (drums/percussion), as their chemistry both on and off the stage combines unique energy, vision, and sense of adventure that all goes into the jazz-infused blast of funk rock that is Codename. Among their influences are The Grateful Dead and Phish, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield and Medeski Martin & Wood, Pink Floyd, Yes, Soulive and The Allman Brothers.

For anyone who has seen or heard them play, the feeling of complete and utter satisfaction is very familiar. Joffe’s intense guitar playing ranges in styles across the board. “When I played guitar for the first time, it took complete control over me, as if it had grown roots into my hands and soul. Blues and rock'n'roll were my first passions. The influences of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, Joe Perry, and Jimi Hendrix (to name a few) crept into my head, and inevitably my style as I was learning to play. High school brought new things to the table that changed what I sought in music. I need music that is soul-wrenching and can leave a person feeling satisfied to the core (which my influences had done so well). This mindset brought me to the jam world. The jam world brought me to jazz. Having studied intensively for 2 years in anticipation of auditions for jazz programs at universities and conservatories in 2003, my style of playing developed accordingly. Jazz has become a major influence on my music. Grant Green, Miles Davis, Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and George Benson are among my favorites. My goal as a musician, and as a member of Codename, has become to share an enlightening live experience with people. There is no feeling like being in the audience at a show when pure emotion is pouring off the stage, the energy so intense you can see it, and everyone is smiling. As a performer, I strive to provide that experience for everyone at a Codename show.”

The soulful styles of both Adam Nash and Greg Halbkram fuel the band with great energy. Nash combines unique tones and harmonies through his dual keys (one organ, one synth), often breaking into his own tale. Halbkram's intricate, locomotive bass play rivals this year's contest for regional funk master. When asked how they initially got involved in music, the two offer great insight into their past and how they arrived at where they are today.

“I (Nash) grew up writing movies, and this is probably the single biggest influence on my music. Teaching myself piano, I learned to play and write songs to serve as soundtracks for the films I intended to make. This took me where I never thought I'd end up - playing my "soundtracks" with a touring band. Hearing me play one day, a friend invited me along to a jam session - it was my first time playing the keys in a band setting. That day changed everything, and I never looked back. They dug it, and I was invited into the band which, after some initial switching around, eventually became Codename."

"I became obsessed with the keys, and feeling that my musical training was somewhat behind the other amazing musicians I was playing with, I started studying my ass off - jazz, classical, funk, rock, blues, anything and everything. Over these few years, I became a true keys player, but I have tried to never let go of what made me start playing in the first place. So when I write music, I try to use everything I've studied about screenwriting, incorporating lessons learned and my influences into my songs and improv - a sense of dramatic build-up, characters, themes, and stories. The result is somewhere between John Williams and Jazz is Dead. "

Halbkram follows up, “I’ve been involved with music since an early age. I started out in grade school playing the trombone and trumpet and played until 7th grade. Then, one day on the bus ride home from school, this random kid comes up to me and asks if I want to play bass in his band. I told him it was a no-go because I didn’t play bass. His simple and succinct response was, “Well, learn how!” One week later, I was in possession of my first bass. I took formal lessons at first, but most of my knowledge came from listening to and playing along with my favorite bands and idols such as Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and P-Nut from 311. Attaining my goal of learning (by ear) some of their works boosted my repertoire of technical abilities, but I still barely had any theory training under my belt, which I wouldn’t end up acquiring for years to come. Presently, the music I listen to is everything; country to jazz, metal to classical. You can currently find Red Hot Chili Peppers, Phish, Talking Heads, Michel Camillo and Allman Brothers in my CD player, though this list can change at any moment. Oh yeah, and Co