Virtuoso organist, producer and accompanist Cory Henry brought a taste of Brooklyn jazz to our nation’s capital last night. Henry, a member of New York-based jazz outfit Snarky Puppy, is currently touring with The Funk Apostles, performing original compositions and captivating jazzy interpretations of various classics.
The Apostles, Andrew Bailey (guitar), Nick Semrod (keys/synthesizer), Cleon Edwards (Drums) and Sharay Reed (Bass), form a beautifully cohesive, harmonious unit. Extremely talented musicians individually, as seen in solo improv fills, The Apostles create the kind of riveting synergy that only exists inside the musical collective conscience.
Henry and The Apostles exist in the jazz realm, but make use of funk, gospel, and synthesizer elements that push the genre to another level. Experimental and intriguing, the band’s covers of Marvin Gaye’s “What Going on,” Ray Charles’ “What’d I Say,” and Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” are initially difficult to discern. Their brilliantly innovative arrangements are complex, but once spectators catch the familiar melody lines, they erupt into applause and ovations.
“The Apostles,” which Henry calls “the band’s theme song,” acts as more than just a nod to their name. The original composition boasts nuances of Curtis Mayfield-style groovy soul and Parliament Funkadelic’s synthesized funk mingled with the experimental jazz techniques of The Bad Plus.
Henry, a multi-instrumentalist, jumped around stage playing keys one minute and drums the next: at times standing to the side, allowing The Apostles to find their groove without him. His captivating performance style kept the eyes of audience members glued to the stage. Henry stood center stage, behind his keys completely engrossed in his musical journey. Like a man possessed by a musical demon, Henry’s every bodily movement connects to each note he plays.
Check this band out, because you won’t want to miss this exciting funky throwdown!