Rhythm, a pulse or cadence of any variety, often produces a hypnotic effect on those experiencing it. Likewise, multiple beats occurring simultaneously make for a spellbinding sound, one so all-consuming that the listener is compelled to move along with it, maybe even to dance.
| On stage |
| Friday Night Eclectic: The Funk Ark |
| Where: The Mansion at Strathmore; 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda |
| When: 8 p.m., Friday |
| Tickets: $10; 301-581-5100, strathmore.org |
These multiple beats define the Funk Ark, who will be performing tonight as part of the Friday Night Eclectic series in the Mansion at the Music Center at Strathmore. The music of this D.C.-based world funk ensemble draws on influences from the African and Latin dance music of the 1960s and ’70s.
The group’s keyboardist and main songwriter, Will Rast, describes the band’s particular style, one derived from several musicians.
“Funk, world funk, is defined pretty loosely as a groove, something that has its roots in polyrhythm, you know, several small parts acting as cogs in a larger group,” he said. “Polyrhythm is used in all cultures of music, especially in jazz.”
The group will involve many players, including Joe Herrera on trumpet; Elijah Balbed on baritone sax; Max Rippetoe, tenor sax; Greg Boyer, trombone; Greg Loman and Rodney Richardson, guitar; Mark Blackwood, bass; Jeff Franca, drums; and Josh Kay on any number of percussion instruments. Rast, of course, will sit at the keyboards.
“Each musician is playing [his] own separate rhythm,” Rast continued. “And when you put it all together … you represent motion [and] that’s why people dance.”
The Funk Ark looks forward to the release of its first album in May, “From the Rooftops,” produced by Eric Hilton on the ESL label. The songs the group will perform at Strathmore (99 percent original) include “Katipo” and “Diaspora.”
” ‘Diaspora’ is Greek for ‘spreading the seed.’ ” Rast noted. “African ‘Diaspora’ would be the spreading of cultures and ways of life. ‘Katipo’ is a dangerous spider [and] we wanted a dangerous title, dark and scary, like from the Jonny Quest cartoons.”
Georgina Javor, Strathmore’s programming manager, talks about why she booked Funk Ark for Friday Night Eclectic:
“I was lucky enough to see Funk Ark open for Trombone Shorty at the 9:30 Club this summer and I was really impressed with their performance. This is a high-energy show featuring very talented musicians. Their concert will be one of the many highlights of the Friday Night Eclectic series at Strathmore.”
