Artist description Using a combination of influences and grooves that cross over the genres of world music, jazz, rock, and fusion, the band has no fear of stretching the limits of new music.

Music Style Jazz fusion

Musical Influences rock - jazz - funk

Similar Artists Brand X - King crimson - Mahavishnu

Artist History Formed by World renowned bass player Percy Jones in the early 90', this fretless bassist and drummer Frank Katz form a rhythm section so solid and inventive, it's bound to make your head spin. As a member of seminal Fusion outfit Brand X, Jones and his accolites has stuck to their (quite blazing) guns. Marc Wagnon adds his jazz-mo-spheric keyboard vibes, complemented by the ripping, chromactic guitar lines of Van Manakas. Funky backbeats power the twisting melodies Tunnels travel through on their Berklee post-grad instrumental journeys. It's true their music maintains a heavy focus on virtuosity, and impassioned improvisations.

Group Members Percy Jones, fretless bass - Marc Wagnon, midi vibes - Van Manakas, guitar - Frank Katz, drums

Instruments midi vibes, guitar, fretless bass, drums

Press Reviews There is excellent variety on this release from the intense drum driven "Neuro- Transmitter" to the floating "Quai Des Brumes." The rhythm section of Jones and Katz is very inspirational as they perform with a deeply agressive emotion that carries much of the material....This music moves in a fresh, new direction.”Mike Haid Fuse Magazine“Tunnels' often delirious songs range from Zappa-esque meter frivolity, to electro-jazz, to atmospheric free funk. Though they occasionally meander like gypsies on a balloon ride, these are ferocious performers.”Ken Micallef Modern Drummer“While Mr. Jones is certainly one of the finest electric bassists the music world has ever witnessed and placing technique to the side for a moment, Jones has conspicuously carved out a signature sound and style, which is clearly his own! The key ingredient here is the sustained and altogether gratifying entertainment value, featuring loads of impact!” Glenn Astarita allaboutjazz.com“A stellar second outing by Percy's post-fusion quartet...Percy packs a real groove punch, from the angular funk ... to his hard-swinging walking line.”Chriss Jisi Bass Player MagazineAnother renegade bassist, Percy Jones (a charter member of the great British fusion band "Brand X") continues his uncompromising ways with "Tunnels". Powered by monster drummer Frank Katz, this one is teeming with a kind of gung-ho fierceness and risk taking that hasen't been heard too much since fusion’s heyday.”Bill Milkowsky Tower Pulse“I will never be tired listening to this genius jazz rock. Tunnels Painted Rock is a grandiose work...” Volkmar Mantei Ragazzi (Germany) December 2, 2002 The following is an article in Expose` Music Magazine regarding the Tunnels release 'Progressivity': "Fusion fans will rejoice at the release of the third Tunnels album as it features former Brand x bassist Percy Jones reunited (on three of the ten tracks) with his former partner in crime, John Goodsall. Luckily the three tracks comprise over 30 minutes of playing time, and Goodsall is in fine form with his trademark blistering lines. And what can one say about Percy Jones? How many musicians (let alone bassists) have a unique, immediately identifiable sound? Percy’s fluid,, harmonic-filled fretless approach underlies the album without stealing the show from his band mates. The distinctive sound of Tunnels is also due in large part to wide sonic palette of leader/primary composer Marc Wagnon. The midi rig makes his vibes sound like various keyboards or numerous other instruments during his heads and solos. The band evokes Brand X or Mahavishnu at times with the high energy level, but there is also a looser, jazzier feel due to the improvisational nature of the playing. In addition to Goodsall the violin playing of Mark Feldman (who replaced Jerry Goodman in the Flock) augments the trio on several tracks. He has a rough edge and intensity that is reminiscent of Goodman on the first Mahavishnu album. At times the band does favor strong playing over melodic development, but that isn’t unusual for the genre. Overall this is strong effort with a spirit of excitement and adventure that all too often has been lacking in modern fusion albums. Tunnels 'Progressivity' Review by David Ashcraft – 'Expose`' Magazine"

Location New York, NY - USA

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