Snarky Puppy

Band History

Snarky Puppy was formed in 2004 by bassist and primary composer Michael League. Snarky Puppy was signed by SiTMoM Records in fall of 2005, and subsequently recorded and released their first studio record, The Only Constant, in winter of 2006. The CD has met critical acclaim from the industry’s top musicians and representatives, and has created a serious buzz among musicians and non-musicians alike. The group draws upon a variety of musical traditions compositionally, but is heavier on more modern styles, especially jazz, funk, fusion, and drum n’ bass.

In addition to being creative and expressive instrumentalists/composers in the setting of the group, the members of Snarky Puppy have individually performed with some of the biggest names in jazz and popular music, including Dave Brubeck, Marc Johnson, Maria Schneider, Dave Douglas, Phil Woods, Maynard Ferguson, Bill Holman, Morcheeba, Headhunters, Dave Fiuczynski (of the Screaming Headless Torsos), Clyde Stubblefield (of James Brown and the JB's), Dick Oatts, Jimmy Cobb, Marc Johnson, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Michael Spiro, Jovino Santos Neto, Benny Golson, “Snooky” Young, and countless more.

But perhaps most importantly, Snarky Puppy is fun to watch.

The proof is in the crowd, which is as diverse as the music itself. Jazz, jamband, indie, soul, funk, and world music enthusiasts can be found in large numbers at any given performance. There is energy, spontaneity, passion, and genuine enjoyment in the musicians from the simple act of making music together. The band loves making music. Hopefully, you'll love experiencing it.

Information from the band's site

Members

• Jay Jennings trumpet
• Brian Donohoe saxophone
• Clay Pritchard saxophone
• Bill Laurance keyboards, piano
• Chris McQueen guitar
• Bob Lanzetti guitar
• Michael League bass, upright bass
• Nate Werth percussion
• Shaun Martin keyboards
• Robert "Sput" Searight drums

Former Members

• Sara Jacovino trombone
• Ross Pederson drums
• Mike St. Clair trombone
• Kait Dunton keyboards, piano

Influences

Dave Holland Quintet, Avishai Cohen And The International Vamp Band, Bjork, Pat Metheny Group, Wayne Krantz, Hermeto Pascoal, Astor Piazzolla, Chick Corea And Origin, Herbie Hancock And Headhunters, XTC, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Marc Johnson, Bill Frisell, Dave Douglas, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Chris Potter, James Brown and the JB's, Charles Mingus