Smith Funk & Strauss
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada | INDIE | AFM
Music
Press
"...the fine harmonies and blend of voices was very appealing, the guitar work was excellent and the original tunes were first rate--making for a very entertaining evening." - Larry Taylor, Artistic Director
"Smith Funk & Strauss is a serious trio that combines music and laughs. They paint a picture that captures imagination, stirs the soul and takes the listener on a musical journey...they are perfect together." - Jude Campbell
"SFS's onstage energy and musicianship was hands down the highlight of the festival" - Vic Bell-Artistic Director
"Each member of this trio is a talented artist in his/her own right. However, their intricate harmonies tie the divergent parts together as if they were one...solo guitar work by Smith had everyone in awe as he combined string slaps with an unusual picking style." - JP Squire
"SFS were a treat to the heart as well as the ear. Tight harmonies from three clear voices that could easily hold their own as soloists and arrangements of original material that allowed them to show off their individual talents..." - Bill Werthmann-Artistic Director
"SFS are more than entertainers. Through their well crafted, fun and thought provoking songs they invite you on a journey of the heart. This trio will treat you to a rich blend of jazz, folk & blues. Cochrane Valley folk club has hosted artists such as Harry Manx and Lynn Miles and SFS remain among the favorites in our club. I believe in the near future SFS will be a familiar face in the Canadian folk scene."
- Dean Clark-Artistic Director
For those who weren’t at the Folk Fringe Club, on Saturday night in Kelowna, you missed the remarkable blend of jazz, blues, folk, Celtic and even gospel performances by the trio known as Smith, Funk and Strauss !
SFS brings to the style of folk, a distinct nature of uniqueness that also embraces the roots of jazz and blues. Many times as they spoke in between, laughter would erupt throughout the room as the band members each bantered back and forth with one another , all in the name of fun!
The show itself combines the intimacy of connecting with the audience, then adds in a sense of humour, a touch of personal reflection and a diverse selection of songs that people of all ages can relate too.
... audience was left feeling that they had taken part in an unforgettable evening of folk mastery, that empowered the body, mind and soul!
- Tonya J Alton-staff writer
Discography
The band has just finished mixing their new album, 'Like A Road'. Release date for this 15 song project is set for June 5th. Look for details on their website.
Photos
Bio
Smith Funk & Strauss is an acoustic trio based in Kelowna BC. Andrew Smith's finger-style guitar work, Sherri Funk's jazzy vocals and Norm Strauss's blues sensibilities combine to create their unique sound. Their show features great original songs, tight playing, rich vocal harmonies and unpredictable antics which keep the crowd and the band spellbound.
The trio has played house concerts and folk clubs from coast to coast including the Bow Valley Music Club, the Northern Lights Folk Club, the Fringe Folk Club and the Prince George Folk Festival. They have also opened for American folk artists David Wilcox and Ruthie Foster.
In summer 2004, the trio released their 2nd album of original songs titled 'Like A Road'. Concert reviews and soundbytes are available on their website.
SFS is available for bookings . Contact n.strauss@shaw.ca
Links
