funkharp

*What is funkharp:Known primarily for his unrestrained harmonica solos, funkharp is a multi-instrumentalist who breaks into scat, beatboxing, whistling, and even duels himself -switching between flugelhorn and conch shell solos - during live performances. As a singer/songwriter accompanying himself on guitar or piano, funkharp's music bears the artfulness of a well constructed poem or classical composition. His nuanced melodies and lyrics can make you laugh, send you into deep thought, and even make you a little bit horny.*The man behind the funkharp:Joseph Randle, the name behind "funkharp," has worked as a journalist, jazz trumpet player, and professional opera singer.*Coining the term “funkharp”:Randle mastered the harmonica by transcribing solos played by John Popper and Charles Musselwhite ultimately hybridizing their funky styles with his own, effectively turning the standard bluesharp into a "funkharp."*A motley repertoire with an artist’s touch:Attracted to jazz, the blues, funk, rock, folk, and classical music, Randle's influences make him an ecclectic writer while his reverence for songwriters like George and Ira Gershwin, who brought a higher sense of sophistication to the American songbook, allows him to bring songwriting into the realm of the "fine arts."*Not your average rocker:After studying improvisation with Philadelphia jazz powerhouse Roger Prieto as well as the formal and spiritual aspects of music theory with Juilliard alumnus Paul Hofreiter, Randle polished his chops at Peabody Conservatory. At Peabody, Randle continued his training in classical music theory but focused on jazz arrangement and composition while studying blues and gospel piano.*funkharp’s oddest credential:This one-man jamband has a bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.*The “funkhype”:Though a fresh face to the music industry, funkharp is already garnering a loyal following and generating a buzz wherever he goes. These folks have just seen his show and heard his music for the first time:"If you keep doing what you did last Thursday, I'm certain you'll want to get into a recording studio and share that great gift of yours with everyone on the planet!" -Jim Beaver: of the 4w5 blues jam house band; Wilmington, DE"Funkharp emote a wonderful style of blues and jam rock. However, it is their radio ready songs, Wide Eyed Angel and Perfect World, which make me think they are going places." -David Simons: Five Year Plan Entertainment; Philadelphia, PA"His harmonica playing will melt your face." -Matt Miller: Matt Miller Music; Norfolk, VA"The star of 1919 and a future rock star." -Neil Elsohn: owner of 1919; Cape May, NJ"An extremely talented multi-instrumentalist...Funkharp is a pleasure to work with and listen to, with pointed but accessible lyrics and great music to tap your feet and sing along to." -Vince Volz: doubleVbookings; Philadelphia, PA