Mr. Breakdown
Nyack, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Summer is just around the corner and every perfect season needs a next-to-perfect soundtrack to accompany it. New York funkists Mr. Breakdown provide those kind of tunes in their newest release Shake Daddy Jupiter. With flares of reggae, soul, and a whole lot of funk, Mr. Breakdown deliver the sunshine on a platter of good times in this full length album.
Mr. Breakdown has a main core of three members, Mike Kemmlein, Dave Reiss, and Joe “Mamma” Carpentieri, with a few rotating musicians added to the roster. These three main musicians share the vocals and combine their musical abilities to form the ever changing sound that weaves throughout Shake Daddy Jupiter. Occasionally different horn players will mix in for a more complete funk sound.
Shake Daddy Jupiter is a kaleidoscope of sounds. The vocals are sweet and soulful while the melodies inspire a chill moment in the grass or a dance around the park. Each song captures a moment in time, from the free space of younger years to the relaxed moments of weekends, and sends you sailing into a daydream. Summertime is for festivals which seems to be a great fit for this funk-inspired band to flesh out the songs off of their new album.
Mr. Breakdown definitely has the potential to grow. Whatever path they decide to travel down will be well worth the wait for their audience. No matter the destination, they are sure to bring the dance party wherever they end up. Shake Daddy Jupiter is an album for everyone, for funk music knows no age limit.
By Danielle Sipple - Shakefist Magazine
Discography
"Shake Daddy Jupiter" release 4/20/2012
Photos
Bio
Mr. Breakdown is a 7-piece pop-funk band from Nyack, NY that plays a unique style of funk, reggae, and soul steeped in the grooves of James Brown, Earth Wind and Fire, Bob Marley and Fela Kuti. Their tight pocket sets the groove, while catchy vocals and inventive horn arrangements give the songs their distinctive pop sound.
After years of gigging in the tri-state area, Mr. Breakdown broke loose in 2012 bringing their high-energy dance party to clubs throughout the Northeast. They've played at Brooklyn Bowl and headlined at Mexicali Live (Teaneck, NJ). They've opened for George Porter Jr., Alan Evans Trio and worked with several R&B artists including Jermaine Paul (2012 winner of NBC's hit TV show 'The Voice').
The main songwriters and rhythm section have been creating music together for over 10 years. They are Mike Kemmlein (Guitar, lead vocals), Joe "Mamma" Carpentieri (Drums, vocals) and Dave Reiss (Bass, vocals). After years of playing funk in many incarnations, they honed their sound and formed Mr. Breakdown in 2008.
Breakdown released their debut album “Shake Daddy Jupiter” in April 2012. This instant funk party was recorded by Bob Both of Twain Recording, who was production supervisor for James Brown from ’69 to ’75. The album was self-produced by Mr. Breakdown, mixed by Jonny Rod at JRod Productions and mastered by Tony Gillis at Cutting Room Studios.
“It takes me back to my James Brown days because this is a funky band. Coming from the James Brown School of Funk as I have, it was really nice to go back there again and see a bunch of younger guys picking up on the hipness of the old school funk. Taking it back to the old school and keeping it funky. And that’s Mr. Breakdown for sure.” (Bob Both - Production Supervisor for James Brown from ’69 to 75’)
“Shake Daddy Jupiter is a kaleidoscope of sounds. The vocals are sweet and soulful while the melodies inspire a chill moment in the grass or a dance around the park.” (Danielle Sipple - ShakeFist Magazine)
Currently, Mr. Breakdown is in the studio recording their new EP to be released in the Spring of 2013. The songs embrace their R&B and soul influences like Prince and D'Angelo, while staying true to the band's hard-hitting, horn heavy funk sound. Lead singer Mike Kemmlein shines.
"These songs highlight Mike's creative vision and maturity as a vocal improviser. His fun personality comes to life through his playful performances of these soulful melodies. We had a blast arranging these tunes and can't wait for people to hear them." (Dave Reiss - Bassist)
Mr. Breakdown will play a run of NY shows in March and April and is looking forward to returning to the Rock N Roll Resort festival. They plan to gig extensively this summer to support the EP and spread their music.
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