Friends of the Family draws influence from many genres, falling somewhere between acid jazz and gritty, funky rock-fusion. Their intelligent composition mixes greasy grooves with soaring melodies. Formed in the metropolitan Detroit area, "The Family" has grown and tightened their signature sound since uniting in late 2005. Blending dance-able grooves with a pinch of world-music; the rhythm section, consisting of drummer Mike Thompson, percussionist Jabiya Dragonsun, and bassist Ryan Ghedotte lay down a neck-snapping foundation - while guitarist Ian North, saxophonist Mike Bieniek, and keyboardist Pete Zajicek weave together intricate textures that express their deep earthly energy. Transcending genres, "The Family" is easily accessible to fans of jazz, funk, rock, soul, and jam bands alike. Stretching out and improvising is a large aspect of "The Family’s" live shows, which allows their music to be taken to a new level. Friends of the Family has recently opened for legendary, national acts such as: the jazz/fusion group The Headhunters and Melvin Seals with the Jerry Garcia Band!!! They have also recently been showcased by Pabst Blue Ribbon- Live & Local, in the Detroit Metrotimes!!!
Ghedotte Ryan 06 November 2006 10:17
