A Heartfelt Thank You

What an incredible journey it’s been — and what a joyful celebration these recent shows turned out to be!
As Redtenbacher’s Funkestra enters its 30th year, I’m feeling especially grateful. First and foremost, I’m grateful for the amazing musicians I get to share the stage with.
Additionally, I’m thankful for the brilliant promoters and the super-friendly, welcoming audiences that keep the funk alive. Together, we make the music matter.

Funk on Fire in Wels

Our show at Alter Schlachthof Wels was pure energy. From the first note, the Funkestra was on fire.
Moreover, the crowd brought the heat, and we fed off that vibe all night. We rolled out a set packed with tunes from Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, Backwood Five, and RedBase. It was a truly international groove — one nation under the funk.

A Poignant Farewell in Kirchdorf

The concert at Kirchdorfer Jazz Tage 2025 held special meaning. That’s because Wolfgang Homar, the beloved music director of Kirchdorfer Landesmusikschule, is retiring this month. His influence has helped to shape music education across Upper Austria for decades. Therefore, it was an honor to celebrate him and his incredible legacy.

10 Years of Music and Connection

Ten years ago, I played my first Kirchdorf gig with the Pernstein Swing Connection. Back then, we debuted Funkestra Big Band charts — a big step at the time. Since then, this recent show marked our fifth appearance in Kirchdorf over the past decade. In addition, it served as a beautiful farewell for Wolfgang.

Although Paul Slaviczek and Ollie Kerschbaumer weren’t with us this time, we still played “Rennbahn Express.”
This tune was written together just before the pandemic as part of Backwood Five. Performing it again brought back many memories.

Coming Home to Austria

Although I grew up in Austria, I’ve been based in the UK for 30 years. Specifically, London’s jazz funk scene has been my creative home. Still, returning to play in Austria is always something special. Indeed, it feels like reconnecting with my roots — and that always adds extra meaning to each note.

A Global Funk Family

I’m proud of the growing Funkestra family — musicians from Austria, the UK, the US, Germany, and beyond.
These are artists who bring passion, precision, and heart to every performance.

This tour’s dream team included:

  • 🥁 Josef “Seppi” Hinterhoelzl – drums (Backwood Five, HPRC, Helena May Band)
  • 🎹 Martin Gasselsberger – keys
  • 🎷 Andreas See – sax (Jazzodrome, RedBase)
  • 🎸 Carter Arrington – guitar (Kirk Covington, Progger)
  • 🎸 Yours truly, Stefan Redtenbacher – bass

In addition, huge thanks go to:
🎛 Fabian Wollner – our sound wizard
🎯 Ulli Wurpes – a powerhouse behind the Alter Schlachthof scene

Building the Future — Funk Across Borders

Looking ahead, I’m very excited to welcome Martin, Andreas, and Seppi to England soon.
We’ll continue our Austrian–UK musical exchange — and keep pushing the groove forward.

Moreover, who knows?
Perhaps Seppi (aka Joe Backwood) will be up for reviving Backwood Five in 2026. If so, we’d be celebrating 10 years since our first jams. A reunion tour, maybe? I’d be all in!

Announcing the ‘FUNKOPIA’ Album

Finally, here’s more exciting news — our new album FUNKOPIA drops October 3rd via RSB Records, my own indie label.
This record is a celebration of 30 years of musical friendship, groove, and fearless exploration. I can’t wait to share it with you all.

Here’s to 30 years of funk — and many more to come. Let’s keep the groove alive!

With deep gratitude,
Stefan Redtenbacher