FUNKTASTIK

Funktastik Band Bios
Kim Johnson: Lead Singer

Kim Johnson is the heart and soul of Funktastik. The band is built around her stellar honey-rich voice. Ms Johnson's vocal abilities are wide ranging and dynamic - full of emotion, passion, strength, and beautiful phrasing. New to Portland, Johnson is sure to make a splash in the Portland music scene. Johnson brings a fresh and original interpretation to the classic Motown and Soul hits that make up Funktastik's diverse and growing set list. She displays tremendous poise and maturity far beyond her young years. Johnson's experience includes fronting bands in Eugene prior to relocating to Portland, as well as exploring and working in a number of different musical genres. She is quite at home belting out Stevie Wonder's "Sign Sealed Delivered I'm Yours" or providing an emotionally inspired version of Etta James' "At Last." Johnson makes every performance a memorable experience - one that will rock your soul and stir your emotions.
Max Cheswick: Guitarist & Background Vocals

Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Cheswick is a complete guitarist - able to anchor songs with the execution of solid rhythm parts and then tear it up with exciting guitar solos. Cheswick provides the glue to Funktastik's Motown and Soul Review - faithfully bringing to life all the classic guitar lines and musical hooks that are the hallmark and signature of so many Motown and Soul classics. Cheswick's energy and commitment to the music is an inspiration to all the members of Funktastik. His personality comes through his music - warm, fun, energetic, and full of surprises.
Thomas DeLano: Saxophonist & Background Vocals

DeLano is a self taught saxophonist and composer with over 30 years of professional playing experience. At home on the tenor, alto, soprano, and baritone saxophones, DeLano’s rich tone and creative solos are a real crowd pleaser. Over the years, DeLano has also worked with a number R&B and Soul bands, including performing with funk drummer great, Clyde Stubblefield (of James Brown fame). He cut his teeth in the music business in Chicago performing with many of the Southside blues greats such as Jimmy Johnson, Lucky Lopez, Sugar Blue, and Guitar Sam. At the same time, while working in Chicago in the 1980’s, DeLano also hooked-up with a number of ex-patriot musicians from Havana, Cuba who relocated to Chicago’s Login Square, including master conga player, Carlos Argylas.
Rich Frasier: Bassist & Background Vocals

Frasier has been playing music professionally since the age of 19. Originally trained as a woodwind player, he has been playing bass for the past 20 years. In the Portland area for the past 11 years, Frasier has sung and played electric and upright bass with the classic rock and dance bands “Closed Captioned” and “Secret Alley” as well as the bluegrass band “The Grey Sky Boys”. He currently writes music and and also is a featured vocalist in the acoustic vocal rock trio “Southern Cross”. Frasier prides himself on solid “big pocket” bass lines accompanied with high-quality vocals. These two combined skills make him a huge asset to Funktastik's overall instrumental and vocal sound.
Karl Ludwigsen: Keyboardist

Ludwigsen has been playing piano for over 15 years. He began piano lessons at the age of ten studying first for several years with Charlene Lamb and several months with George Mitchell (pianist for Diana Ross). He also played trumpet for seven years before dedicating himself to piano. While attending the University of Oregon, Ludwigsen played in several jazz combos and big bands. Since graduating from the U of O, Ludwigsen has worked in Portland playing in a variety of settings as a solo pianist. Ludwigsen’s playing is full of spontaneity and inventive rhythmic and melodic ideas. Ludwigsen provides the harmonic anchor to Funktastik's strong dance rhythms.
Bill Chapman: Drummer & Background Vocals

Chapman began his professional music career as a drummer at the tender age of 13. After high school he went to Los Angeles Community College to further advance his studies in music. At the age of 20 he hit the road, with groups like Solid Gold, the Brazil Jobim Show, and Riff Raff. After returning to LA he studied with Les DeMerell, Joe Morello, and Buddy Rich, greatly expanding his musical horizons. While in LA, Chapman played with James Taylor, Afro Blues Quintet, David Benoit, and The Coasters. Since returning to Portland, Chapman has worked with several area bands including singer Carlee Smith. He also teaches drums to a number of aspiring students. Chapman excels in providing Funktastik with creative rhythmic ideas and inventive fills.