Muscle Tough Talks Collaborating With DJ Logic & The Horn Section At Karnival Of The Arts [Interview/Video]

“When I say GET TOUGH, you say MUSCLE TOUGH” is the rallying cry of Philadelphia’s futuristic funk-fusion trio Muscle Tough. Specializing in a heavily improvised blend of modal jazz, funk, and rocking psychedelia, these guys are known for their octave-switching antics and tongue-wagging smiles onstage.

Last summer at Kempton, PA’s Karnival of the Arts, the trio debuted its first Muscle Tough & Friends lineup featuring the massive talents of DJ Logic and The Horn Section. The seven-piece band, Ross Bellenoit (guitar), Jonathan Colman (bass), Joe Baldacci (drums), DJ Logic (turntables), Josh Schwartz (bari sax), Greg Sanderson (tenor sax), and Chris Brouwers (trumpet/keys), focused exclusively on original music with wild contrapuntal horn lines woven into Logic’s instinctual sonic scratchings.

Guitarist Ross Bellenoit sat down with L4LM contributor Miles Hurley to discuss the Muscle Tough & Friends experience.

Miles Hurley: Did playing “Oracle Door” (or any of the other songs in the set) with a larger ensemble band change or affect the musical/improvisational experience in any way?

Ross Bellenoit: As a trio, we tend to create a lot of sound by necessity. With The Horn Section and DJ Logic, we had to be conscious of creating space for them while still retaining our identity as a band. Everyone was incredibly game to “Get Tough” and embrace the more bizarre elements of our music.

MH: Is it something you’d try again in the future?

RB: Absolutely. I wrote a slew of arrangements for the horns, so we definitely would like more chances to perform them, if for no reason other than to get them even tighter and more polished!

MH: Would you ever consider writing or recording material in the future along with an ensemble like The Horn Section or DJ logic?

RB: Totally. We have collaborated with different horn players before (i.e. our recording of “Waiting 4 Bae” on Modern Romance). We’re also currently prepping a few new releases that will feature special guests playing with us—including some horn players, a vibraphonist, etc.

MH: What was the rehearsal process like with Logic and The Horn Section? Did they bring any initiative ideas and energy to preparing for the set, or was it more of a “teach them the Tough material” process?

RB: There were some logistical issues with everyone’s flights so unfortunately we had very limited rehearsal time on the afternoon of the gig. We really just had a chance to run down the arrangements all together one time. The festival even had to push certain VIP events to accommodate us rehearsing in that space. Everyone’s attitude was super positive and incredibly professional, so we were able to feel comfortable with the set. Hopefully, if we get another chance to do this again, we can fine-tune the process and have more creative input from everyone.

MH: Any longtime fans of DJ Logic in Muscle Tough prior to this? When did you first hear him and what did you think of his music?

RB: We were all raised on Medeski, Martin & Wood when we were in high school in the late ’90s, so his contributions to their Combustication record and onwards were huge influences for us. We were definitely fans of his from that avenue of listening. We actually had some quartet time with Logic before the horns arrived for rehearsal where we were just freely improvising with him for about an hour or so. It was clear that he was a natural fit with the group, adding all sorts of bizarre, humorous, and downright funky elements to what we already do.

MH: How was your KOTA 22 experience in general?

RB: KOTA 22 was a wonderful festival experience. They really took care of everyone’s needs and really made us feel welcome. Their whole operation is extremely well-run and top-notch professionally managed. The sound crew and the lighting crew were all excellent, and it was really clear that everyone wanted to make the show the best it could be from all angles!

Muscle Tough & Friends (Ft. DJ Logic & The Horn Section) – “Oracle Door” – Karnival Of The Arts 2022

Catch Muscle Tough on tour this Spring:

^ w/ The Motet & Moon Hooch
* w/ The Nth Power
+ co-headline w/ Klark Sound