Felonious Funk is one of those rather rare (within Bowling Green) bands to go and see when you’re in the mood for something different. As you may gather from their highly descriptive name, they play classic songs from many different genres and funk them up, if they weren’t so already. And those that were funky are always arranged just a bit differently than the original, so they are basically a cover band that doesn’t seem like a cover band. Add to the funkiness a good dose of jazz (thanks to the trio of horn players always present) and what you have is music to sit a spell with and really get into.

If you go to their MySpace (myspace.com/feloniousfunkbg) you will see (and be able to listen to) a sampling of their tunes. “Cold Sweat” by James Brown, “Down in Mexico” by the Coasters, “All Blues” by Miles Davis, and “You Should Be Dancing” by the Bee Gees are from drastically unique artists at the top of their genres. At Johnetta’s, another tune that came out of the blue was “My Prerogative” by Bobby Brown. So expect the unexpected when you go and see them (I’ve also heard some Jimi Hendrix at a previous show).

Lead guitarist/singer Jordan Weiss provides the soulful/gritty vocals and funky (in the James Brown style) of guitar, but can break out into more traditional lead riffs as well. The brass consisted on this night of Ryan Stiles on baritone sax (Ryan can also be seen a lot at the Sunday Night Blues Jams at Wha Bahs), and he always does a great job, Clay Terry on tenor sax, and Kevin Goodnight on trumpet. Having a trio on horns really emphasizes the jazz aspect of the music, and takes Felonious Funk places a single sax player just can’t go. The rhythm section of Murf Adams on bass (laying down the funk and jazz lines effortlessly as required) and Justin Mutter on drums (who can also jazz it up) is rock solid and perfectly matched to the task at hand. This lineup was slightly altered from the norm, but as it says on the MySpace, you never know who might show up at a Felonious Funk show. 

Felonious Funk has some gigs scheduled in April and May, so go check the MySpace and get out to see them. Let me know what song you hear that you never expected. I’ll bet there will be at least one. Like I said, they’re different, and as a result, very refreshing.

Felonious Funk played at Johnetta’s Pub in Bowling Green, KY on 3/20/2010.

Pennman’s Picks (Upcoming Shows)

Local (Bowling Green)

• Every Sunday @ 6 – KY Blues Jam – Wha Bah’s
• 3/26 – Karmadons – Tidball’s, Nine Horse Johnson – Spillway, Thr3e – Shelley’s Place, Last Straw – Winning Colors Sports Bar @ KY Downs
• 3/27 – Thr3e – Shelley’s Place, Nine horse johnson – Spillway, Hungry Ears/Danse Macabre – Tidballs, Poison Karma – Woody’s, Karmadons – Warehouse
• 4/1 – Thee Japanese Schoolgirls – Tidballs
• 4/2 – Nightfall – Miss Kitty’s
• 4/3 – Nightfall – Miss Kitty’s
• 4/9 – Felonious Funk – 440 Main, Poison Karma – You & Me Sports Bar
• 4/10 – Thr3e – Winning Colors Sports Bar @ KY Downs, Poison Karma – You & Me Sports Bar
• 4/16 – Andy & the Rockers – You & Me Sports Bar
• 4/24 – Stormbringer – Wha Bahs, Mellow Down Easy – Tidballs
• 4/29 – Poison Karma – Brewing Co.
• 4/30 – Nightfall – You & Me Sports Bar, Andy & the Rockers – Spillway
• 5/1 – Nightfall – You & Me Sports Bar, Andy & the Rockers – Spillway

Road Trips (Nashville)

• Bridgestone Arena (Sommet Center) – Bon Jovi/Dashboard Confessional – 4/21, Hank Williams Jr. – 4/23, Jimmy Buffet – 5/1, James Taylor/Carole King – 5/22, Daughtry – 5/30, Tom Petty/CS&N – 8/12.
• Wildhorse Saloon – Seven Mary Three/Marcy Playground/Sponge – 4/1*, Bret Michaels – 4/2, Andy & the Rockers (House Band Contest) – 4/5, Great White – 5/7
• Ryman Auditorium – John Prine – 3/26, Tegan & Sara – 3/31, Train – 4/2, Aretha Franklin – 4/25, Goo Goo Dolls – 5/2, Barenaked Ladies – 5/10, Norah Jones – 5/14, Neil Young – 6/1
• Freedom Hall (Louisville) – AC/DC – 4/13, Tom Petty/Joe Cocker – 5/12.

 *Recession Buster – Tix available under $25   

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman