Just weeks after news of their 2018 JUNO award nomination, Canadian groove masters Five Alarm Funk are dropping a new track, “Wheels On The Bus,” and we here at Grateful Web are proud to share an exclusive first listen...
“Wheels On The Bus” is out tomorrow, March 9, as part of a two-track mini EP titled Boots & Wheels, which also includes “We Play The Funk” featuring legendary funk icon Bootsy Collins. It’s the latest in a string of projects that has earned Five Alarm Funk two JUNO nominations and several Western Canadian Music Awards. Their last full-length album, 2017’s Sweat, is up for Instrumental Album of the Year at the 2018 JUNOS, being presented Sunday, March 25.
“Having Sweat nominated is an amazing feeling,” exclaims drummer/vocalist Tayo Branston. “We’ve worked tirelessly for 15 years creating and delivering this band to the world. To have this recognition from the industry, and outburst of support and happiness from fans, partners, friends, and family is such an inspiration. We're honoured to take part in the Juno ceremonies, and wish the best of luck to all the 2018 nominees!”
Over a decade into creating music, the Vancouver-based eclectic eight-piece--Tayo Branston (drums/vocals), Gabe Boothroyd (guitar), Oliver Gibson (guitar), Jason Smith (bass), Thomas Towers (congas), Ricki Valentine (timbales), Eli Bennett (saxophone) and Kent Wallace (trumpet)--remains as impossible as ever to put into a box. Although they are rooted in the style that gives the outfit its name, Five Alarm Funk thrives on being able to transcend genre by seamlessly mixing in elements of gypsy rock, Afro-funk, Latin, ska, punk and even at times prog-metal.
Five Alarm Funk on tour now:
Thu 3/8 — Thunder Bay, ON — The Outpost
Fri 3/9 — Duluth, MN — Red Herring
Sat 3/10 — Minneapolis, MN — 7th St Entry
Sun 3/11 — Fargo, ND — The Aquarium
Wed 3/21-Sun 3/25 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Fest
Fri 4/6 — Santa Barbara, CA — Lucidity Festival
Sat 4/7 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
Fri 4/20 — Vancouver, BC — Commodore
Fri 4/27 — Campbell River, BC — Tidemark Theatre
Sat 4/28 — Victoria, BC — Capitol Ballroom
