Artist description The Tryptones: the future of retro-funk

Music Style Bounce and Flow

Artist History The Tryptones’ musical journey began in early spring of 2001, in a small room in Somerville, MA. Ben, Dan and Scott met over grilled cheese sandwiches and hot chocolate spiked with peppermint schnapps to decide what to do about the state of the Scubaworms, a small band they had put together in early February and had a great initial success with around the Boston area, playing at such venues as EAT, The Choppin’ Block, The Burren, and Brandeis University. At that time Scott was playing drums for the group and good friend Greg O’Malley was workin’ the all important bass groove. The problem was, Greg would soon be leaving for the summer and then graduate school and a new bass player was desperately needed. They had put out ads for a new bassist, but were unable to find someone satisfactory for their upcoming shows. It was Cuff, with his mouth full, who first suggested that the band bring in his old buddy Jim Levin to hit the kit, while Scott, who had been doing studio work with the bass in Greg’s absence, would move to the instrument full time. The result was a more tight, danceable focused and funky sound and it worked. After only a few short weeks of practices, the band launched back into playing around town with full fervor and a positively ecstatic reception from audiences, rocking house parties, Russels, Newton Village Fest, and continuing at The Choppin’ Block. Dan soon brought along Berkelee School of Music grad. Karl Steudel to round out the group and the Tryptones were born. At some point Kramer came back to town and joined up. Other Stuff: The Tryptones play with an extended circle of friends and special guests including Lindsey Carroll (flute), The Freak (vocals), Mel Gluskin (blues harp) and Gordo. They have strong spiritual guidance in the Almost-Rev. Tom Belote and stand ready to serve up original, cerebral funk and jam with signature energy, good humor and vibe.

Group Members Ben Cuiffo - guitar, vocals Jim Levin - drums, vocals Scott Levine - bass, vocals Karl Stuedel - keys, sax, vocals Andrew Kramer - percussion, vocals Dan Weiner - guitar, vocals

Instruments 2 Guitars, Bass, Drums, Percussion, Keyboards, Saxaphone

Albums Tryptones EP

Location Somerville, MA - USA

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