There’s something so universal about funk music, perhaps because the word “funk” transcends music itself. It’s a feeling, and when you have it, you have it. One listen to Sneaky Pete & The Secret Weapons, and you know they understand what it means to be funky.
Sneaky Pete is based out of Jackson Hole, WY, bringing their upbeat brand of funk music to the Western United States in what can only be rightfully called an all-out dance party. The five-piece group merges pop sensibilities with great songwriting, bringing in improvisation and a grooving backbeat to draw in listeners everywhere. Be careful; once they hit the stage, the dance floor will soon be rocking!
The band formed in 2012, and continues to pick up new followers with each passing performance. While their debut album Breakfast climbed to #5 on the Relix/Jambands.com radio charts in 2014, the band’s sophomore effort DOJO shows off the band’s maturity and growth with each note.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the sound we have brought forth in DOJO,” said trumpetist/vocalist Bobby Griffith. “Our progression is alive and tangible in this record, and the songs we chose are an exciting representation of who SPSW are and where we are headed. We’ve refined our recording process, and mixed & edited the tracks with more intent and vision than in the past. But the best thing about DOJO is what it signals for the future of SPSW: our songwriting is moving forward with a full head of steam, and we are pushing the boundaries of music that can be created in the Wild West.”
On display throughout DOJO is the group’s positive lyricism, delivered with thoughtful instrumentation and captured within their distinct sound. From the first hits of the opening track, the album takes listeners through an upbeat journey that discusses themes of finding yourself and taking life’s challenges in stride. Created and fostered inside their communal jam space in the shadow of the Tetons, the title, DOJO is both a physical and spiritual representation of Sneaky Pete and the Secret Weapons.
“Everything from the band’s songwriting, to individual musicianship, to our attention to detail has matured significantly since the release of our debut album. I’m so proud to hear all of this growth coming through in every track on DOJO. We are evolving and getting more comfortable in our own musical skin,” said guitarist/vocalist Jack Tolan.
We’re honored to premiere this exciting new album! Stream DOJO in the SoundCloud player below.
“These new songs are just the tip of the iceberg,” says drummer Philip Walker. “It’s an exciting time for us, and you can expect a lot more to come from Sneaky Pete in the future.”
Sneaky Pete is Jack Tolan (guitar/vox), Bobby Griffith (trumpet/vox), Sam Lowenthal (bass), Galen Karnatz (keys), and Philip Walker (drums). The band has shared the stage with the likes of Trombone Shorty, Dirty Dozen Brass, Thievery Corporation, The Revivalists, American Babies, Pimps of Joytime, Toubab Krewe, and many others in their tenure, and only continue to grow!
Be sure to catch this band on the road throughout the fall. You can see their tour dates below, and head to their official website for more details. DOJO can also be found streaming on Spotify and available on iTunes, so don’t miss it.
Sneaky Pete Tour Dates
10/29 – Bozeman, MT – The Eagles Lounge*
10/31 – Victor, ID – The Knotty Pine
11/04 – Reno, NV – Offbeat Music Festival
11/05 – Reno, NV – Offbeat Music Festival
11/07 – Arcata, CA – The Jambalaya
11/09 – San Francisco, CA – Boom Boom Room^
11/10 – Petaluma, CA – The Big Easy
11/11 – Berkeley, CA – Jupiter Brewing Company
* w/Shakewell and Moth
^ w/Dr. Mojo