Headstash

REVIEW: Smooth Money Gesture and Kung Fu in CO

Despite a blizzard that dumped nearly two feet of snow on Colorado’s Front Range, hearty fans braved the inclement weather and made their way to Boulder’s Fox Theater for a funk-rock co-bill featuring local sextet The Smooth Money Gesture and East Coast supergroup Kung Fu on February 2.

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Hailing from Nederland, Colorado, The Smooth Money Gesture has been making their mark in Colorado and elsewhere across the Western United States with their funk-infused jam rock.  A homecoming of sorts, Smooth Money pulled out all the stops for their return to The Fox.

Visiting a handful of tunes from their album “The Grand Scubian,” they didn’t hesitate to venture into unknown improvisational territory delivering hard-hitting jams, featuring wailing guitar riffs, bouncy bass lines, frenetic keys and a tight percussion section holding it all down.

[FIND news, tour dates and downloads on Smooth Money Gesture's official website.]

An exceptional cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer” with a guest horn section was among many of the highlights that had concertgoers defenseless from getting down. Catchy songwriting, interesting compositions and fearless improvisation showed that Smooth Money is undoubtedly an up-and-coming band to keep an eye on.

Photo Credit: Will Duff

While relatively established on the East Coast, Colorado is uncharted territory for the New Haven, Connecticut-based funk quintet Kung Fu. With many in attendance seeing Kung Fu for the first time, it’s safe to say a strong impression was made.

Their set kept the crowd perpetually in motion with an explosive blend of funk, rock and jazz with nods to artists from Steely Dan to Frank Zappa. Guitarist Tim Palmieri and saxophonist Rob Somerville meshed particularly well with one another, engaging in dirty guitar/sax duels leaving many jaws on the floor.

[FIND news, tour dates and downloads on Kung Fu's official website.]

Another cover in “God Made Me Funky” and original “It’s All Good” were fitting tributes to late “Funky Town” host Don Cornelius, whom they dedicated the set to after his passing earlier in the week.

In an era where funk seems to be having a renaissance of sorts, Kung Fu’s exceptional musicianship and unique funk-jazz-rock sound is sure to catch the ears of a wide range of listeners.

 

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

Photo Credit: Will Duff

 

 

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