Tomphoolery

Juicy funk with a purpose might be the best way to distill the impact of Tomphoolery's unstoppable sound. For two exciting years, Tomphoolery has continued to dazzle crowds rocking venues throughout Toronto. Each new audience is surprised to find a band that blends hip-hop, funk, reggae, jazz and rock with such a natural yet in your face delivery.

The seven-piece group includes horns, keys, guitar/MC, bass, drums and female vocals. While each musician is coloured by their own unique influence, the disparate personalities help to form Tomphoolery's evolving yet commercially accessable conception.

Tomphoolery‚s sound reflects aspects of such artists as Jamiroquai, The Roots, The Pocket Dwellers, Bob Marley, Tower of Power, Jimi Hendrix, Roy Hargrove and D‚Angelo.

The music is all original and catchy, fermenting in the listener‚s head weeks after the performance plants the seeds of interest. In the smooth, subtle hiphop bounce of "Hopeless Romance", MC/guitarist KC Roberts explores the bitter truth of one-sided love in a rap monologue answered by a sweet vocal hook. In the furious instrumental funk tune, "Let's Get Out of Here". the James Brown and Maceo Parker influence seeps through the tightly knit groove.

Tomphoolery has close to 20 original tunes crossing a large scope of music. Each set is a journey through the group's respect for the past and eye for the future.

The group enjoys working with different artists and event organizers so that each show has an angle and appeal to go along with the music. For example, Tomphoolery has played fashion shows at the B-Side, a Salad Gold (2001) at the Reverb, an urban art exhibition at The 360 as well as many memorable nights at C‚est What?, Tequila Lounge Gypsy Co-op, Oasis, Comfort Zone, The Cat‚s Eye, and the El Mocambo.

Tomphoolery considers playing for and blowing away a packed room a crucial priority because if you're not going to do it right, why do it at all?