Funkengrüven: Soul charlatans recall funk’s glory days

If your recollection of the ’70s is a little hazy, this could be the best way to jog your memory. Dedicated to “the preservation of classic American soul, funk and R&B music,” Funkengrüven’s uncanny ability to recreate the rhythms of the Nixon era has earned them a well-deserved reputation as one of Northern California’s best party bands.

Vocalists Eric “The Red” Hansen and Jerry “Leroy” Blake lead the group through hyperactive, high-energy sets that never fail to whip audiences in a bootie-shaking frenzy, while the rock-solid rhythm and horn sections keep everything locked in a canyon-sized groove.

With a repertoire that includes tunes by Stevie Wonder, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, James Brown, Aretha Franklin and countless others, Funkengrüven isn’t just another cover band — it’s a tribute to some of the greatest, most infectious music ever created.

- Aaron Pastula,
digitalcity.com

Funkengrüven gives up the funk!

I’m usually not a fan of bands that play cover songs, because the bands tend to be cheesy and uninspired. However, the local band Funkengrüven is definitely an exception. The band plays great versions of classic soul, funk, and disco songs from the’70s.

The band covers a nice range of dance music, everything from the Ohio Players “Love Rollercoaster” and Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Shining Star” to Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man” and Wilson Pickett’s “The Midnight Hour”. However, they also occasionally play slow numbers like the Spinners’ “I’ll Be Around”.

Currently, the band plays 75 songs and change the setlist regularly. On the night that I saw them at Harlow’s, they had the dance floor packed with dancers.

Funkengrüven is definitely recommended to anyone who likes to dance to classic funk and soul.

- Dan Grant,
The Grind Vol. 2, No. 4

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