The Arden will be groovin’ with the power of funk later this month, when Vancouver’s Five Alarm Funk hits the city. Called Canada’s premiere sonic and visual powerhouse, the prolific band combines tight arrangements of horn and rhythm-heavy original songs with loose and liberating high-energy stage antics, sure to be an unforgettable evening for funk lovers.
Led by drummer and band founder Tayo Branston, the high-octane, eight-piece party band is known for an infectious energy that often has audiences on their feet, and no wonder. Wild costumes, synchronized dance moves and funk music that blends elements of rock, grunge, jazz, Latin rhythms and Afrobeat have proved a winning formula for the group, which recently celebrated 21 years in the business.
“We’ve never stopped–band members have come and gone, but this particular group of eight has been playing together since 2019. We’re dedicated, always trying to break boundaries–and we still practice twice a week!” said Branston, ahead of their fall tour across the prairies that includes a stop at the Arden Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 19.
With a loyal fan base that runs the gamut from teens to older adults, Branston said there’s no way to explain the way music touches audiences; it’s just something they feel.
“Rhythm is embedded in everybody; it moves people. I like to provide a big, thumping backbone for other band members to ride over top of, but that heartbeat is primal,” he said, pointing to the strong musicianship in the group, from university-trained players to his own musical history.. “I got my first drum kit at age six or seven. I just naturally gravitated to be percussive with things.”
Five Alarm Funk has carved a unique path in the music world, with an impressive eight studio albums under its belt, and sounds that range from progressive rock to metal, grunge and lighter dance tunes. It’s a natural evolution, Branston said, as the group has fluctuated in size and configuration through the years.Today’s Five Alarm Funk consists of three horns, two guitars, bass, percussion and drums.and band members that range in age from 33-50–music teacher, lawyer and livestream entertainment worker among them.
“We have so many influences, but our signature sound is high-blasting horn melodies with crushing percussion,” says Branston, who brings his own 90s-era blues and grunge influenced years of drumming and vocals to the mix. “Some of our tunes have punchy vocals–I call it shouty, gang vocals that are like a percussive instrument of their own–but all these 22 original songs are heavy duty, hot, sweaty, dancing, funking, exaggerated, over-the-top fun; meant to bring people together.”
As to how the Funk has stayed together, from humble beginnings as friends straight out of high school to its status today as a top-tier musical force, Branston said it comes down to a commitment from all its members–teamwork and collaboration is key.
“We all have other things we do; busy lives, but we commit to summers and falls for performing/touring and we work our lives around that. For a band to be successful you have to be a unit, driving toward the same purpose; that you all really want to be there. And I believe we’re doing what we are meant to do,” added Branston, saying this year’s shows include some new pieces from the latest album, plus a lot of band favourites. “It’s a bit of everything, exciting, edgy–a rockin’ time through the prairies.”
Band accolades include two JUNO nominations and three Western Canadian Music Awards. Five Alarm Funk has brought its infectious grooves to premiere festivals across the globe, including stops in the U.S., Taiwan and even a special performance at the UN headquarters in Mali, Africa.
Five Alarm Funk are: Tayo Branston on drums, percussion/Thomas Towers; guitarists Gabriel Boothroyd and Jimmy Baldwin; Tim Parent on bass and a trio of horn players–Kent Wallace/trumpet, and Brent Mah, Mike Allen on saxophone.
Funk lovers take note–and prepare to stay on your feet. Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show are $50, including all taxes and fees. Purchase online attickets.stalbert.ca, by phone at 780-459-1542 or in person at The Arden Theatre Box Office, 5 St. Anne Street,
