Fort Knox Five is a four-piece dub/funk/dance band from DC. They make me think of a funkier version of Thievery Corporation.

The four guys behind the band are Sid Barcelona, Jon Horvath, Rob Myers and Steve Raskin.

I’ve been listening to their stuff non-stop for the last two weeks. There’s also a remix version of their album Radio Free DC, which is top notch.

For some free downloads, here are three of their songs:

Blue King Brown is a Melbourne based jam rock band, that bring in all kinds of percussion sounds, and have a definite latin vibe. Reminds me a lot of a cross between John Butler Trio and Ozomatli. Unlike Ozo though, I doubt Blue King Brown has a trombone player that dances his face off at every show.

Blue King Brown released their first full length album in 2006. I’d recommend it to pretty much anyone.

Maceo Parker first tasted international stardom while playing alto and tenor saxophone for James Brown in the 1960′s. He then left the band briefly to start the band Maceo & All the King’s Men. In 1973, he returned to James Brown’s band. Two year later, Maceo and a few of his band mates moved over to George Clinton’s band, Parliament Funkadelic. YES.

In his memoir, James Brown says that he didn’t originally want Maceo in the band. He was pursuing Maceo’s brother, Melvin Parker, on the drums, but Melvin would only join if Maceo was offered the job as saxophone player.

In the mid 80′s Maceo Parker rejoined James Brown’s band. In the 90′s he recorded tracks for De La Soul, Jane’s Addiction, and Prince, among others. Currently, Maceo Parker is touring and recording with Prince, though he is playing and recording solo efforts as well.

Similar jam:

Topaz – Fat City Strut

Formerly going by just MOFRO, JJ Grey and MOFRO is a five piece jam rock band from Jacksonville Florida. For the last two years, and for their upcoming album, the band has incorporated two horns players, known indepedently as the “Hercules Horns”

JJ Grey is the frontman for the band. He sings, and he plays electric piano, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, and harmonica. He is also the primary creative force behind the majority of their songs. Apparently, he recently decided that this position required his name to be incorporate in the band’s name too.

Fine by me, especially if it helps keep the band together.

More Funk:

Listen to Topaz – Fat City Strut

More Jam Rock:

Listen to Widespread Panic – Up All Night
Listen to Strangefolk – Alaska

For equal funkiness, but without vocals, check out Topaz – Fat City Strut

For another band staring aimlessly into the camera, check out The Kooks – Crazy – Gnarls Barkley Cover

And I quote from this song ‘You’re my Tenderoni. Tenderoni.’ What is a Tenderoni? Good question. I’m between an old, old wooden ship and 19 year old college girl wearing leggings and neon sunglasses, the type that typically fills the venue at any Chromeo show.

Based in Montreal, Chromeo’s singer and frontman, David Macklovitch, is currently earning his PhD in French Literature. Maybe Tenderoni refers to an old, old wooden FRENCH ship.

David’s brother, Alain Macklovitch is currently Kanye West’s tour DJ. Quite the fam. I’m looking forward to the Kanye/Chromeo joint project, followed by Kanye taking full credit for the album.

Topaz, the band fronted by the bearded, scarf-wearing, saxophone officianado Topaz McGariggle, hail from Austin, Texas, and can bring down any small club with their funky, jazz, jam rock. Any of the members of Topaz will jam out, but for many show goers, its Topaz himself who brings the place down with his tenor sax solos that hit all possible registers and pitches.

Topaz played saxophone on the streets of Austin for a number of years, and has also lived and recorded in London, New York, and Washington DC. While living in Washington DC, Topaz through down some tracks with Eric Hilton of Theivery Corporation. I’d love to listen to those tracks.

For more information on Topaz, check out the Topaz interview