Music
Press
BluesandSoul.com/review/446
24.04.2008
I contacted Austrian-born bassist Stefan through the modern miracle of ‘myspace’ and was promptly sent all of his back-catalogue.
I’ve never actually asked him how he does it, but I’ve honestly never seen such a stellar line-up of musicians on anyone else’s cd – ranging from the best of British (think ‘Sound Stylistics’) mixed with superstars like ex-JB and ‘Horny Horn’ Trombonist Fred Wesley.
The music? Redtenbacher’s cd’s are out-and-out spectacular FUNK, but not conforming to any trends – ranging from P-Funk, to JB’s, to Funk Fusion – all with a mighty big-band horn section and recorded with a contemporary edge.
The new cd ‘Hausmusik’ does touch on House music in parts but those tracks are not House really, they just have a ‘four to the floor’ bass drum and hissing hi-hat’s; and as we know, there is more that sets House apart from other genres than just that.
The House-ier tracks just come across as ‘big band Funk meets Salsoul’ and it’s all the better for that, to be honest, plus there are liberal amounts of Stefanbacher’s regular Funk on the cd too. I can’t single a track out because it’s all so consistent, so go to his web-site and purchase his back catalogue. This proves, yet again, that there are much, much more gems hidden away on the net than you see in the shops.
Words SNOWBOY
http://www.bluesandsoul.com/review/446/redtenbachers_funkestra__hausmusik/
- Blues and Soul Magazine
author: sugar
Here comes the funky train and it's runnin' through every track on this album!! The energy and the spirit of this wonderful man and his musicians will blow the cobwebs off your crusty ol'music collection and have you cranking up the volume - hungry for the "four to the floor". The first track,"Royal Rooster" is pure homage to "Disco Inferno" and a joy to the ears. "Chit Chat" is wicked with a deep ol'Chic-type bassline, "Bow Wow" with it's funky driving bass - is relentless!! Inbetween the groovy, funky disco with horns, there are some amazing soundtracks which are beautifully vintage, arranged perfectly for your musical ears and taste!! Mr.Redtenbacher has indefinitely saved the best to last..."The Sound of Dazz" will be the dance track of the summer..it is a classic!! This is his best work so far...and there is plenty more home cookin'to come from the "Funkestra", i'm sure... I will be playing this over and over - regardless of the neighbours...it's brilliant, happy, upbeat and genius!!
#
Hausmusik
author: Rene
This Album is a master piece in every aspect. A mixture of a hight of creativity craftsmanship and monster "phat" Bass grooves. The Funkestra is an unstoppable "groove train" that makes you wanna jump on it for the ride !!! Great stuff !!!!
Thanks for this fantastic and inspiring work.
#
Funktastic!
author: Lizzie Hayes
Yet again, Stefan has served up another helping of delicious strudel funk! Highly recommended to all newcomers and seasoned fans alike! Keep it up!!!
=0)
x
#
The Haus That Funk Built!
author: Sam
Wow, what an album! Track one starts with a killer run, and the funk dont stop til the album is over! The horns sound excellent and the grooves are tight.. you can definitely hear the Earth, Wind and Fire influence. In short, if youre looking for a funky good time, you need to check out the RB Funkestra!
- CD Baby
Discography
'Boozing Wizards' (1996), 'Falling from Insanity' (2006), 'Hausmusik' (2008). 'Concubine Chronicles' (2009). Listen to medleys of these records at www.myspace.com/rbfunkestra
Photos
Bio
With four records under their belt and a regular gig at the prestigious '606 Jazz Club' in London, the band is known for their audience exiting and high energy performances. They have also played and recorded with funk legends like Fred Wesley, Stephen 'Doc' Kupka from Tower of Power and Stanton Moore from Galactic.
Here some background:
The RB Funkestra are one American, one English, one Israeli and one German of Indian origin, under the leadership of an Austrian delivering high energy Jazz Funk. Their unique blend of Funk, Disco and Jazz is stewed-up in their chosen hometown, London/Great Britain.
The credo of the quintet is to infect people with their grooves and musical pearls. Wild dancing and waving arms in the air is more than welcome!
In the words of George Martin: "Rhythm and tempo set the mood of music more tellingly than anything else, and if you get it wrong all the other rights won't make up for it."
Oh yes! Stefan really believes this one. Although happily being a bassist and MD for other bands, his heart really beats for his Funkestra. After three studio records Stefan is ready to record his fourth album for which he will record the band live in the studio to capture the magic of their grooves, tunes and arrangements.
During the course of his studio productions Stefan has recorded funk legends such as Fred Wesley (trombone), Doc Kupka (bari saxophone) and trumpeter Lee Thornburg (Tower of Power) as well as the horn section from Incognito and guitar legend Elliott Randall, but nothing beats seeing the Funkestra live in full flight.
It is almost traditional for the Funkestra to invite special guests to their shows. In the past it has been electrifying to play with musicians like drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic), guitarist Elliott Randall (Steely Dan), vocalist Wayne Hernandez and Brendan Reilly, pianists Gwilym Simcock and even other bassists like Janek Gwizdala.
Stefan’s music is deeply dedicated to Funk and he also loves Jazz, the vibrant, accessible and infectious type of jazz to which people can dance, have noisy conversations and generally have a jolly time without it ever becoming too serious and introspective.
Links
