9:30 pm | $7/$5 members
The Sonic Soul Band is well noted for honoring the Art of ‘In The Moment Improvisations’. Four world class musicians, including the always innovative Peter Head on guitar, Funk Bassman extraordinaire Michael G. Colletti, Panama’s Beat Master Ruperto Ifil on drums and The Sultan (Gus Mancini), on Saxophone, Electric Stix and Keyboards. Special guests percussionist Fre Atlast and ‘The One Woman Choir’ of Anais Wolf will round out this spectacular worthwhile event.
Drawing on influences from Monk to Funk, the Sonic Soul Band create spellbinding sonic landscapes of melodies and pulsating rhythms. From tender saxophone, to popping funk bottoms, ever soaring guitar energy, vivid melodies, and grounded by a solid beat, these musical layers delightfully unfold seamlessly. One can dance or just listen through the whole experience.
Founder Gus Mancini (WDST’s Roundtable ‘Sultan of Sonic Soul’), is a classically trained master saxophonist, a graduate of NYU, and former professor at The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. Gus has played many prestigious venues with varied and revered groups from contemporary artist Max Romeo, to the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and many others in between. Gus has recorded over 30 albums during his career.
Artist, poet, and musician Peter Head brings a unique dynamic to the Sonic Soul Band. Peter’s guitar virtuosity is a perfect catalyst to the ensemble. Peter employs an inventive, high-tech, and powerful approach to improvisation that fuses seamlessly with the other band members. Peter creates a kaleidoscope of sound that soars and reaches the audience in a visceral as well as emotional place.
Bassist Michael Colletti is one of the area’s most sought-after musicians – – for very good reasons. Michael’s approach combines funky grooves with jazz undertones that provide a solid foundation for each piece being played, yet he exudes an infectious positive energy wherever and whomever he’s playing with. Watching and listening to Michael is always a joyful and special experience.
Ruperto Ifil’s background as a drummer is rooted in Latin/Jazz and Funk fusion. Born in Panama to West Indian parents, Ruperto adds a good measure of the Caribbean sound with innovative and intoxicating beats to The Sonic Soul Band. He combines his drum kit with other percussion instruments, adding to the musical landscape with a free-flowing pulse that challenges you to move or muse to the irrepressible rhythms.