The year was 2000 and I was one year out of high school and decided I needed to go to college. My destination was Champaign, Illinois. Back then the jam band scene was thriving. My friends and I would go to the Canopy Club almost every weekend. I bring this up because twenty years later and I don’t think much has changed.
The Data Waves comprised of Kevin King (tenor saxophone/flute), Joey Parker (keyboard/synthesizer), Sammy Gessesse (guitar), Aditya Kashyap (bass) and Seth Graham (drums) are exactly the type of band I would find at house parties and playing the local scene. Even the name of their EP Drunk Funk is filled with memories of my college days. The Data Waves is one of the more electric instrumental bands I have heard. The addition of the flute certainly makes for an element you don’t hear every day. On top of that they really have a range as far as styles go. There is unequivocally a lot of funk on the title song “Drunk Funk” but they also can play into jazzy ’70s inspired breakdowns. I promise if you hear this live you will want to dance. In fact the live recording made me want to dance. The patrons at the local coffee shop seemed to be amused. The lounge inspired ‘70s groove of “Have You Met Mr. Gales?” brings to mind soft velvet and satin sheets. The mood picks up on the super slick “Don't Know Now.” That being said the atmospheric LA noir breakdown is just as enjoyable. They close with “Sammy's Song.” The song slowly unfolds. It starts off very atmospheric and dreamy and builds up to a solid jam session. This EP was nostalgic for me personally. If you want to hear of the more advanced instrumental bands I have heard in awhile take a listen.
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