Thanks for checking out our page! This page is dedicated to the sold horn players that comprise the Funkiphino Horn Section.
Please check out the band sites at... www.myspace.com/funkiphino and at www.funkiphino.com . THE HORNS The talented Mr. Jason U'Ren - Trumpet Jason is a slammin' lead player and a great guy to hang with. Jason attended the University of South Dakota for his Master's in Trumpet Performance. He is a DPS teacher and a fine addition to the horn section. "We're keeping him." In his free time he enjoys… scratch that… Jason has no free time. Take a listen to "Move Over" and you know why he's in the band. The youthful, soulful Evan Weigel - Tenor Sax Evan is the baby of the band - but not a baby player... he's a monster. Evan is the youngest member of the group. Before becoming a member of Funkiphino, he studied at the University of Northern Colorado . His tasty licks are a welcome sound, and he has the personality to accompany them! Check him out on "Rise Above" and every time he solos at live shows. Smokin' Eric Bernhardt - Tenor Sax Eric is the newest member of the horn section. He is a stand-up guy and a total pro. He can also throw down some serious rhymes. We call him “E-Rockâ€. He's currently at the University of Denver working on a Master’s in jazz and commercial music. CHeck him out at live shows - where you're sure to experience his numerous talents. ... and me, Jessica Fischer (J-Fly) - Trumpet I've had the pleasure of performing with the band over the past 8 years. Prior to gigging with Funkiphino - I played trumpet in numerous University of Colorado bands - as well as being Drum Major for the Golden Buffalo Marching Band for a few years. It's an honor to be on stage with such a talented group of people. Jason, Evan and Eric are some of the best people I know. They make hanging out on-stage a real pleasure. THE REST Chris Fischer - Keys, Hammond Organ, Talk Box, etc. He's our musical leader and keyboard player who gigs with a Hammond B-3 and a see-through Leslie. You can't miss him - and you don't want to. Jenn Butler - Vocals Before performing with Funkiphino, she sang with the 17th Avenue All-Stars a cappella group. Cameron Chinatti - Backing Vocals She is "just off the boat" from singing for Royal Carribean Cruiselines. She also sang with Groove Society. Kevin Lehman - Drums He holds down the rhythm section on drums. Jeremy Sandoval - Percussion You name it - he plays it. Allen Burki - Bass Funky, Funky, Funky. He came to us by way of our friends Filthy Children. Rich Benge - Guitar He's a solid guy and a solid player. ABOUT THE BAND Our time-tested, powerhouse band delivers a huge sound. We are known for our, dynamic horn section and Hammond organ laced grooves. You can catch us all over the Colorado Front Range ripping up dance floors and festivals in equal measure. Our original music can be described as “euro-funk†style acid-jazz sprinkled with retro Oakland style horns. Our members hope to deliver to our listeners, quality soul inspired music. Rise Above (our newest CD) has an organic vibe that only a live drum kit, authentic instruments and a real Hammond organ can generate. ABOUT THE ALBUM Rise Above is a solid collection of 12 well written songs highlighted by engaging arrangements and state-of-the-art production Funkiphino has successfully raised the bar to a level far out-of-reach for most independent bands with this major label quality release. The band teamed up with Grammy-winning producer Matt Sandoski who coproduced the album with Funkiphino band leader/keyboardist Chris Fischer. Chris also collaborated with Tower of Power arranger Dave Eskridge to create fantastic horn and string arrangements. “Rise Above†was recorded in Boulder , Colorado and Los Angeles and at George Lucas' legendary Skywalker Sound in Marin County, California . At Skywalker Sound Funkiphino had the privilege of working with world-class members of the San Francisco Symphony and Opera to record live orchestral string arrangements that grace five of the tracks on Rise Above. The record was mixed by Matt Sandoski and mastered by Grammy winner David Glasser at Air Show Mastering in Boulder , Colorado .