Artist description Big Money Grip is a mostly instrumental band with a funk-jazz style. We try to write songs that have catchy hooks, funky rhythms, and lots of room for group improv. Think of the James Brown band, Phish, and David Sanborn jamming on the soundtrack to Shaft…maybe. The music is very 70's sounding…like something you might hear on Starsky and Hutch or Sanford and Son.

Music Style Funk Jazz

Musical Influences MMW, John Scofield, The Meters, Miles Davis, Phish, old acid jazz, 70's funk

Similar Artists Greyboy Allstars, Average White Band, Theme songs for 70's action movies

Artist History We got together as a four piece unit in the summer of 1998, with guitar, bass, sax, and drums. Since then we have added a keyboard player and a part-time percussionist/vocalist.

Group Members Neal Leazer(Bass)-- Rob Girardin(Drums)-- Derek Mishoe(Sax)-- Bob Himmelrich(Guitar)-- Shabba(Keyboards)-- Kurt Schlatzer(percussion)

Albums Self-titled debut EP

Press Reviews Raleigh-based band Big Money Grip (BMG) is becoming well-known locally for what they don't have: a lead singer. Normallythat wouldn't be remarkable for a band that plays a fusion of jazz, blues, and funk. But the five songs on their self-produced, eponymousCD-recorded at the Brewery this April-have such a strong pop sensibility and melodic kick to them that they almost call for vocal accompaniment.Almost. While local rappers and vocalistshave occasionally joined the band onstage, these original songs stand alone as they are, each with a bass-driven danceability-courtesy of bassist Neal Leazer-that has madeBMG a popular groove band in local clubs. (Ata recent show at the Lakeside Lounge, a drunken crowd showed up at midnight, crowded the stage,and started dancing feverishly. When the band quit at the designated time - 12:30 a.m. - the revelers told the bartender they were going to leave if the band quit playing, and BMG was allowedto continue for another hour).The year-old band sounds suprisinglytight in this live set, particularly for a band thatleaves room in their songs for improvisation. The members of BMG have been in different bands for about ten years, playing a range of music including funk, alternative rock, classic rock covers, acoustic pop, big band jazz, and hippie jam rock. All of these styles have wormed their way into BMG's original music, combining into one big, eclectic groove. Informationabout availability of their CD, andupcoming shows is available at their Web site:http://listen.to/bigmoneygrip-Mark Hornburg-Spectator Magazine, October 6, 1999

Location Raleigh, NC - USA

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