Mission Players

San Francisco, CA - The Mission Players formed back in 2001 as an outgrowth of some jam sessions in the cities famed Mission District. Since that time they established themselves as a reliable and exciting live act, playing mostly in California, (although they have ventured further a field on occasion). This is a band that’s certainly worth seeing based on their recorded work, which is actually a live album called Live and Livin’ It. These guys really have a penchant for lopping groove filled funk and soul that’s firmly rooted in the classic soul/funk of the 70s. They cite influences such as Stevie Wonder, James Brown and The Meters and that certainly makes sense when you listen to their album. The band are all proficient players and they effortlessly intertwine, jazz, funk, soul and blues. Sax player Jamison Smeltz is a monster player. Despite the fact that for most of the album the band is a seven-piece their sound is not cluttered but rather open and extremely melodic. The album contains all original material and it’s surprisingly strong with the buoyant soulful “Bliss” being a standout that highlights their strong vocals as well as their cohesive playing. Meanwhile the meaty “What’s Goin’ On” boasts some tenacious guitar work as well as stellar sax playing. Equally impressive is the sprightly jazz-rock jam “Fillmore Boogie” and the soul ballad “Get it Together.” These guys have a great sound. For more information check out their website. - Kyndmusic.com: Mick's Picks - Mick Skidmore

Funk is not a wheel you necessarily want reinvented. It rolls just fine as it is. The Mission Players slap on some fresh treads and nice rims and cover ground like champs. The burners have wriggly synths and coda sections worthy of '60s Fillmore rockin' Santana. Mike Mulqueen's guitar lives in that rich pocket you hear musicians speak of. A nice growl to the vocals keeps things from being too nice. Ever spastastic sax man Jamison Smeltz blows the soul out of his horn like Maceo Parker with a little '40s road band accent from Illinois Jacquet. The zesty playing invigorates even a basic vamp like "Shine The Light." "Bliss" is summer radio fare like they don't make anymore with an especially nice vocal and Smeltz given it his City-To-City Gerry Rafferty best. Not overly complicated but worth a spin at your next stoned soul picnic. - Jambase.com: Cook’s Corner - Dennis Cook

The sophomore album from San Francisco's own Mission Players isn't due out until early in the new year, but the "soul-funk-groove" quintet, whose high-energy live shows have been known to get even beer-clutching wallflowers out on the floor cutting a rug, will be making the rounds this holiday season. Catch them Thursday night at 12 Galaxies - San Francisco Chronicle: Pop Beat - Bill Picture

Hailing, appropriately enough, from the Mission District of San Francisco, the Mission Players blend soulful grooves, funky melodies and bluesy rhythms. Having shared the stage with the likes of Robert Walter, Galactic and the Fareed Haque Group and touring throughout California, these guys are on the cusp of jam band stardom. - Santa Cruz Sentinel: Best Bets, Santa Cruz Live

Mulqueen’s voice, gets the crowd shaking. The guitarist
delivers a seasoned, deep sound rooted in the blues. At
moments, he packs the power and passion of Stevie Ray
Vaughn…
- Action Magazine - Tripp Mickle

The Mission Players are a lively San Francisco based outfit with intense influences by 60's and 70's funk acts like Stevie Wonder and James Brown. Guitarist Jason Movrich describes the band's live shows as "a high energy concert that gets the groove going and a lot of people dancing." Movrich was also very excited about playing in the butte again. "We played Fat Tuesday at The Eldo two years ago, and it was the highlight of our tour." The Mission Players will have their brand new CD, Get Back Soul, available at the show. - Crested Butte Weekly: Music Matters - Chris Kelly

Players are on a soul mission

Mission Players (CD Release)

When: 8 p.m. today

Where: Avogadro's Number, 605 Mason St.

Cost: $5

Ticket information: www. avogadros.com or 493-5555

Mission Players are: Mike Mulqueen, guitar and vocals; Jason Movrich, rhythm guitar and backing vocals; Erik Mekkelson, saxophone; Greg Garvey, bass; and Jesse Hiller, drums

Based out of: San Francisco

Latest release: "Get Back Soul"

Sounds like: Funk, soul, jazz, blues and boogalo

Influenced by: Stevie Wonder, James Brown and the Meters

Ignore the hack critic and listen for yourself: Visit www.missionplayers.com to sample tracks from the band.

Background: In 2001, the band was spawned from jam sessions around San Francisco's historic Mission District, and in 2004, the Mission Players put out the debut album "Live & Livin' It."

Best bets: "Get Back Soul," "Long Time" and "Don't Know Why"

Why you should go: The Mission Players couldn't look more "white bread" if they tried, but don't let that fool you; these guys are no strangers to '70s funk and soul.

Why you shouldn't go: You like your Wonder a la "Stevie," not "bread."

- Stacy Nick
- The Coloradoan: Stacy Nick