| Funkadelic Studios held one of the most exciting jams in New York City to date this year, a thanks to current Parliament Funkadelic's drummer, Benzel Baltimore. Parliament funkadelic is known for their funk rock sound in songs like "Give up the Funk (Tear the roof off the sucker)" and "Flashlight" that when performed live always end up becoming epic jams that would get everyone and their mama to dance. Along with Benzel came Garrett Shider (Son of Garry Shider Aka Diaper Man Starchild who was one of the original members of P-Funk who was with the band from 1971-2010). Both Benzel and Garrett brought the Funk with them and tore down the house! Not only did Benzel host a clinic for all the other drummers, but he gave a chance to any drummer who came by to jam along with him. One of those drummers was Funkadelic Studios very own intern and Member of band LTrain, Tristan Green. You can watch the video below at the end of the article. You definitely do not want to miss out on watching the video! What really sets apart Benzel Baltimore from all of the other drummers I have seen live, is his ability to hold down a groove with consistent volume. Sometimes listening to Benzel makes one contemplate if you are listening to a recording or not. To put the icing on the cake as well, he also has an amazing set of chops. He blends both Gospel and Rock and techniques to create a fusion that always makes you beg for more. You'll never hear him play anything Cliche or typical, he is the true definition of a Funk-Rock Fusion Drummer. Garrett Shider also came along to the jam to give a first hand education on how sing and play guitar on P-Funk classics such as "Flashlight", "We Want The Funk" and "Mothership Connection". Garrett's musicianship is one that is of the highest order of Funk. Not only does his talent come from his blood, but all the years that he's been playing in P-Funk has made him a master. And even I feel a living legend in the P-Funk family. If you ever get to see a P-Funk Show, you realize that this man can hold is own in any P-Funk song. The Jam consisted of a couple of horn players, multiple Bass players including my friend Tariq Tucker, and even a guitarist from Japan named Nori Hirata. Our own intern Crystalla asked him "How did you find out about the event and what did you think of it? Was this your first time? Nori replied "I really liked his jam, this was my second time coming and I would love to play again. Every time I come the jam gets better and better." As you can see in all the pics, it was truly a party. Instead of awkward vibes, and people just shredding away like they do sometimes at open jams, There was just love and an appreciation of improvisation in the air. No matter what skill level, everybody got to shine and learn from each other from the jam. You should definitely consider coming to the next one! Gabriel Castellar w/ Crystalla Gonzalez www.ltrainband.com www.funkadelicstudios.com #FunkLifeNYC |