COjam Gets Punch Drunk Munky Funk'd
Denver’s improvisational music just got a little munkier and/or funkier
By Eric Frank
November 12, 2015
When Punch Drunk Munky Funk started back in 2012, they didn't seek success or reputation. Rather, it was a means by which to get funky with some very talented musicians.
After an inside joke turned serious, a few lineup changes and a stint with a horn section, things really got rolling upon the return of PDMF's original bassist, Julian Rosse. The welcoming-home party of a core member has refueled the fire, so to speak, offering new takes on old tunes and an energized band ready to take on what lies ahead.
The band focuses heavily on improvisation with jazz and funk acting as the catalyst to their experimentation. To them, nothing trumps improvisation so listening to one another is an exercise in and of itself. This technique of pure immersion into one another's playing facilitates idea creation and originality which lends itself to a purely Punch Drunk sound and playing style. PDMF will take you for a ride, so you'd better strap yourself in with focus and vigor to truly experience the music they offer. We're buckled in tight...
The band's drummer and manager, Michelle Pietrafitta, began playing drums at the age of sixteen when her brother was given a drum set as a gift. Although her brother would quickly lose interest in playing, Michelle had found her calling. The drums spoke to her (as many musicians will attest, the instrument picks the player and not the other way around) as she found drumming to be akin to dancing. Both dancing and drumming involve a keen awareness of the body as the artist learns to separate the limbs in the mind so they may physically work in tandem.
The primary drive of Punch Drunk Munky Funk is "communicating through music and creating art with sound". We foresee PDMF enjoying much future success simply given how pure their musical philosophies are. All bands experience highs and lows given the strains of touring, lineup changes, and creative differences. But when there is unity in both ideology and regimen, a band can truly find itself. And when a band has found itself, the music finds the band. Let the music that has found Punch Drunk Munky Funk find you at one of their upcoming shows!
UPCOMING PUNCH DRUNK MUNKY FUNK SHOWS
Friday, November 13, 2015 @ Hodi's Half Note (Fort Collins, CO)
Friday, November 27, 2015 @ Scmiggity's (Steamboat Springs, CO)
Saturday, December 12, 2015 @ Cervantes' Other Side (Denver, CO)