Vampyros Bonobos's Page

Vampyros Bonobos: Tucson’s Organ Funk Band

Band Members:
Eric Aspnes: Hammond Organ, Synthesizer
Darryl Roles: Drums
Stefano Young: Guitar, Bass
Tyler Neely: Tenor Sax, Guitar

Contact Info:
http://tammies.ning.com/profile/VampyrosBonobos
http://www.myspace.com/vampyrosbonobos

Bio:
Finding themselves in Tucson to pursue graduate education, the members of Vampyros Bonobos felt they could add some new flavor to the local music scene. Eric and Tyler both spent a good number of formative years in the Pacific Northwest. Having played in jazz/funk/groove bands during their time there, they became infatuated with the groove and were compelled to spread the love. With the addition of capable and accomplished string work by Stefano and the thick beats laid down by Josh, Vampyros Bonobos was born. Set to wield the flashlight of funk to all the good people of southern Arizona, Vampyros has been proselytizing Tucson since the summer of 2007.

Primarily influenced by the likes of Galactic, Medeski Martin and Wood, Garage a Trois, Herbie Hancock, Soulive, Booker T. and the MG’s, and James Brown, Vampyros has set out to develop a tight instrumental sound that provides enough meat for the seasoned jazz listener to mull over but keeps the emphasis on the groove. With a steady set of gigs at local venues as well as solid performances at the Spring 2008 Tucson Street Fair and Spring 2008 Club Crawl, the funk seems to be catching (and hard to get rid of).