Funky Grooves with New Orleans Soul 

► TriFunctA

Mixing jazz chops with funky grooves and New Orleans soul TriFunctA, developed by drummer Wayne Maureau and keyboard master Mike Lemmler, is creating a new sound from the crescent city.  Joined by Mike Vila on guitar the trio of New Orleans natives has been creating a buzz in the local music scene. Their sound has been described as Tribal Tech meets The Yellowjackets meets The Funky Meters. They perform original compositions by all three members as well as tunes by John Scofield, Ricky Petersen, Billy Cobham, Jeff Lorber, Carl Burnett, Bob Berg, and funky versions of classic jazz tunes. TriFunctA can be found laying down the groove in New Orleans area venues such as Blue Nile, The Old Point Bar, The Maple Leaf, d.b.a., Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar, Club 300, Snug Harbor, The Banks Street Bar and The Green Room. Their first CD “Hangin’” featuring special guests Steve Masakowski (Astral Project), George Porter Jr. (The Funky Meters, PBS) and Mark Mullins (Bonerama) was released in a stellar performance at Blue Nile on September 20th, 2008. People came from as far as Mobile, AL and Atlanta, GA to find a packed house and a kickin' band. The show included guest appearances by Mark Mullins, George Porter Jr. and Jason Mingledorff (Papa Grows Funk). 

 

►Wayne Maureau (Drums)

    New Orleans drummer Wayne Maureau has been a mainstay of the local music scene for over 15 years.  His funky grooves and hard driving swing have driven the bands of  Walter Washington, George French, Leroy Jones, Lenny McDaniel and Luther Kent to name a few. Wayne is a faculty member at Loyola University and Delagado Community College and published The Multi-Stylist Drummer, a method book detailing his approach to the drums. For more about Wayne visit www.waynegrooves.com

 ► Mike Lemmler (Keyboard)

    Also a long time member of the local music scene Mike Lemmler has backed the likes of Leah Chase, Kim Prevost, Mark Mullins, Lenny McDaniel, Astral Project and is probably best known for his work with George Porter Jr. and the Runnin’ Pardners. Mike is a rare keyboard talent in that he possesses the ability to play extremely intricate left hand bass while simultaneously executing amazing solos with his right. This ability allows him to fill the roll of bassist, pianist and organist creating an incredible sound in the trio.

►Mike Vila (Guitar)

    Filling out the trio is one of New Orleans finest guitarists. Loyola Graduate Mike Vila has been a member of the New Orleans Music Scene since 1984 performing with many of the city’s best bands and teaching at Delgado for 8 years and currently at Todd’s Music Express

 

 

 

 

      

Photos by Richard Thompson