Progressive old school. What does that even mean? For this group, it means providing a soulful, funky sound that is heavily based on groove, just as bands like The Meters and James Brown did in years past. But it also means taking those classic, danceable elements, and adding a few new tricks. Space Orphan will hit you in your soul and keep you dancing at the same time.

Since the band starting playing live in 2015, they have been joined by a slew of guest artists, including the killer horn section of The Motet, funk-master drummer Adam Deitch (Lettuce), and even the soulful vocalist Kim Dawson (Pimps of Joytime). Space Orphan's core lineup, however, features the shredding guitar work of Taylor Scott, the deep pocket of bassist Jiho Han, the tastefully funky beats of drummer Eric Imbrosciano, and kaleidoscope of groove provided by keyboardist and primary writer Jon Wirtz.

Having already drawn comparisons to bands like Soulive, Lettuce, and Mothership Connection-era Parliament Funkadelic, buzz around the band has grown quickly, along with a loyal fanbase. In the band's short history, they have already shared the stage with the legendary George Porter Jr. (The Meters),Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten Trio), New Mastersounds, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Greyhounds, Dennis Chambers (Santana, Parliament Funkadelic), as well as members of The Motet, Big Gigantic, Snarky Puppy, Leftover Salmon, Kyle Hollingsworth Band and Lettuce. Their debut record, Shut Up About The Sun, was named one of the 20 Best Funk Albums of 2016.

 

Recording Personnel for "Shut About The Sun":

Guitar / Taylor Scott

Keys, Vibraphone / Jon Wirtz

Drums / Eric Imbrosciano

Bass / Todd Edmunds

 

Trumpet, and Horn Arrangements / Gabriel Mervine

Tenor Saxaphone / Jon Hegel

Tenor Saxaphone / Matt Pitts

Turntables / DJ Check One

 

Co-produced by Kyle Jones and Jon Wirtz.

Mixed and Mastered by Kyle Jones at Sleeping Brotherhood Studios.

Engineered by Joshua Fairman at Scanhope Sound.