Artist description A man walks into a bar. Craving a fine martini, he asks the bartender to make him a “top shelf” drink. The same man walks into a club looking for the finest band to play 21st century funky soul-rock. He is looking for Top Shelf. Top Shelf was conceived over a pizza and a few pitchers of Newcastle at a local college pub in Long Beach. Trumpeter Nic Chaffee, vocalist Mandy Burke, and drummer Keith Larsen all agreed that the local scene was seriously hurting for quality live music, and they set out to change that. Keith had been groovin' regularly on jazz gigs with bassist Nick Schaadt and guitarist Neal Adams. After a few phone calls, they created a tight, funky rhythm section. To beef up and fill out the sound, Nic called upon two of the baddest horn players in Long Beach, saxophonist Dave Zapotocky and trombonist Chuck Drinkworth. From the very first rehearsal, Top Shelf came together and created a distinct sound: tight, groovy, and original. Combined, the members of Top Shelf have worked as professional musicians for decades, and are schooled in all styles of music, from classical to jazz to funk to reggae to punk. Top Shelf’s sound is an amalgamation of the many different influences of its members. Mandy’s soulful vocals soar above tasty horn lines, all slipped into the hip pocket laid down by the rhythm section. Top Shelf’s sets contain original music as well as classics from the Motown, funk, and disco eras, as well as some of today’s dance hits. Top Shelf has two musical goals. One: To play music that is fun to listen to. It is nearly impossible to go to a Top Shelf show and not want to dance and party. That is the whole idea. Two: To play music that is also fun to play. Top Shelf will not settle to simply do what’s been done before. They are constantly looking for ways to expand their horizons, creating music that is new and original, and always keeping it danceable. It’s time for everyone to jump on the Top Shelf ride, because once it gets groovin’ there ain’t no parkin’, and you’ve just got to pass this groove on!

Music Style 21st Century Funky Soul-Rock

Musical Influences Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Red Hot Chili Peppers, No Doubt

Instruments Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Trumpet, Trombone, Sax, Sampler

Albums Straight to the Dojo - Coming Soon!

Location Long Beach, Ca - USA

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