BRIAN CULBERTSON

VENUE: DAKOTA JAZZ CLUB

NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Review and photo's by: Patrick Dunn

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Funk! Definitely a word associated with the “Minneapolis Sound”. Also the simple and very appropriate title of Brian Culbertson’s new album, some of which was written right here. Would it be fair to expect the Funk! Tour (in support of this album) to rock just a little bit harder on its stop in Minneapolis? Absolutely!

 

When introducing the November 11th show at the Dakota Jazz Club, co-owner Lowell Picket referred to sound check as being “elevated” and that absolutely carried through to the main event. Culbertson and his 7-piece Funk machine took command of this stage like I’ve never seen before. The new album’s first track “Get Ready” was the perfect starting point that enabled them to effectively work the entire room into a frenzy. It only got Funkier from there as this tighter than average band worked their way through several more upbeat tracks with great energy and little rest in between.

 

Culbertson commented on how fans of his Jazz piano past often ask where this desire to do Funk music came from. So, he put together a back-catalog medley to demonstrated how it’s been woven into his music all along. One highlight that had special meaning to this Minneapolis crowd was featuring our own Chance Howard on “Been Around the World”. Another important element Culbertson pointed out was the significant role a horn section has played in Funk. Again, he used a medley to demonstrate and grabbed his trombone to join his horn section for some memorable throwback covers.

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After what was already a super entertaining set, Culbertson did somehow manage to raise the bar with a crowd pleasing tribute to Maurice White and Prince to close the first of two shows that evening at the Dakota.

 

Set List (7:00 Show):

Get Ready

Serpentine Fire

Feelin’ It

We Got What You Want

Always Remember

Back Catalog Medley:

Back in the Day

Hookin’ Up

Let’s Get Started

Do You Really Love Me?

So Good

Get It On

You’re My Music

Been Around the World

Feature the Horn Section:

     Pick Up The Pieces (Average White Band)

     Bustin’ Loose (James Brown)

     Give it to Me Baby (Rick James)

     I Wish (Stevie Wonder)

     I Got You (James Brown)

     Hollywood Swingin’ (Kool and the Gang)

On My Mind

Encore:

Tribute to Prince and Maurice White

     Shinning Star / Kiss

     Let’s Groove / Sexy M.F.

     September / 1999