Papa Josh

The challenge of making music that is danceable, unique, and totally groovin is what sets Papa Josh apart from other solo performers. A talented guitarist with a thirst for knowledge, truth and groove, Papa Josh is a cross between Jimi Hendrix, James brown, Grant Green and Jamiroquai. Filling the role of entertainer, multi instramentalist, singer and live producer, Papa Josh's greatest skill is creating magical experiences fueled by passion and his extremely funky soul. Winning the 2011 BOSS National Loop Championship has has energized Papa Josh on his quest to keep the world groovin'. He has performed thousands of shows across the continent, from solo jazz guitar sets to all night electronic dance parties. His diverse musical background keeps him in touch with the vibe of a room and allows him to send the music in just the right direction. He throws down nasty guitar riffs, phat funk bass lines and inspired vocals. As the show heats up, bumpin drum'n bass beats churn beneath mind blowing melodies, rocking the dancefloor to it's ultimate level. PJ's sensitivity to sound keeps the music in the pocket and the listener feeling good. Best described as Funk'n Groove, Josh's improvised journeys include warm yet biting tones mixed with tight, funked-up rhythms, crossing genres and blending dance music into songs that must be heard, lived, and loved.

Born Josh Suhrheinrich in Bloomington, Indiana, Josh picked up the guitar at age nine and immediately started writing music and learning to play rock and roll and blues. By age sixteen, Josh was fronting his own band and gigging regularly in local clubs. In the midst of racking up valuable performance experiences, Josh also opened his ears to the sophisticated melodies of John Coltrane and the irresistable funk grooves of James Brown. They immediately raised the bar, steering him down a much more diverse and challenging musical path.

Josh pursued his various musical loves in his own original projects, funk bands, jazz groups, blues bands, stage shows, and touring big bands like the Larry Elgart Jazz Orchestra, all while studying both jazz and world religions on a scholarship at Indiana University. He performed with Arturo Sandoval and former Wes Montgomery bandmate Alonzo "Pookie" Johnson . His combination of groove, style and sound attracted admirers amongst a broad range of listeners.

Josh then received a scholarship from the Liberace foundation and completed a master's degree in jazz studies under the tutelage of world renowned guitarist, Fareed Haque (Garaj Mahal, Sting). Josh continued to perform and tour with various groups and recorded an album with his Chicago based acid jazz group Soul Slipper (featuring Winton Marsalis and Lincoln City Orchestra pianist Dan Nimmer).
Just after finishing his second degree, Josh was lured out of Chicago by San Francisco based Funk/jazz/Jam band, Global Funk Council and spent a few years touring North America and fine tuning his exceptional guitar skills and genre blending style. In 2004, Josh followed love and nature by moving to beautiful Whistler, British Columbia. He's recently performed at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, Basscoast Festival, Whistler Music Festival, Pemberton Festival and keeps a busy schedule touring and performing on the West Coast. In 2008 Josh took over guitar / bass duties for West Coast Funktronika band BluSirkut. BluSirkut have just released their full length ep Doublemint and will be touring the US in support of the album. Papa Josh recently released his solo studio masterpiece, "The River of Time". Order from www.PapaJosh.com today!