Parallel 23 (P23) is an all-original quartet from San Francisco playing what they describe as timba-funk...live group chemistry über-alles with Afro-Caribbean folkloric beats, experimental jazz harmonies, funky Latin grooves, electronic textures, and soulful melodic hooks. Intricately arranged compositions transform into entirely free group improvisations - the quartet does not hesitate to take chances in its constant musical exploration. This energy generated on stage is inspiring steadily growing audiences to booty shaking ecstasy on the dance floor.
The pulse of P23s music is derived from the streets between the 23rd parallels, from the rumbas of Havana to the sambas of Rio de Janeiro. The sound? Imagine Herbie Hancock's Cuban Headhunters, Medeski, Martin, and Wood with a percussionist, Los Van Van's rhythm section jamming out, or The Meters at Carnaval in Brazil.
When Jason Moen (keyboards), Colin Douglas (drums), Sam Bevan (bass), and Matt Lucas (percussion) formed Parallel 23 in 2005, they had already been playing together in different bands for over 5 years.
As successful freelance musicians, the four saw an opportunity to craft a new sound culled from their varied experiences in the San Francisco Bay scene. Collectively, they have performed everything from rock (New York Dolls, Slash), bluegrass (Dave Grisman), jazz (Roswell Rudd, Jazz Mafia, Bjorkestra), salsa (QBA, Fito Reinoso), and blues (Zakiya Hooker) to Afro-Cuban folkloric music (Michael Spiro, Olorun).
P23 has toured the Western U.S. playing clubs like Temple Bar (LA), Trilogy (Boulder), Elbo Room (SF), Green Room (Reno), Moe's Alley (Santa Cruz), Winston's (San Diego) and Boom Boom Room (SF), as well as festivals (SF Summer Music Conference, Denver Int. Film Festival).
P23 invites different guest artists to almost every show. The eclectic cast of characters includes DJs (DJ Platurn- Oakland Faders), rappers (Panama), soul singers (Hazel Miller- Big Head Todd and the Monsters), Cuban soneros (Fito Reinoso, Erick Bareria) and percussionists (Jesus Diaz), horns (Evan Francis, Marcus Stevens- Spaceheater, Marcus Shelby Orchestra), bass (Kai Eckhardt- Garaj Mahal, John McLaughlin), and even hip hop dance companies (Mo' Rocks Crew).
"This band gets under your skin, with their infectious rhythm and melodies. Could be a whole new genre; Latin Jam. I love it." Jack Douglas
