The Redtenbacher’s Funkestra ‘birth certificate’ comes in the form of the Berklee College of Music recital flyer from October 19, 1995.
The Band Name
The original name was “RED-TEN-BAKER’S BLUE FUNKESTRA” — not exactly short and snappy. Looking back, the “Baker” instead of “Bacher” spelling seems rather attractive, especially since I didn’t yet know that the German spelling and pronunciation would become a small stumbling block in the UK.
In the US, however, it was a non-issue. Thanks to Orville Redenbacher, the household popcorn brand, the name felt instantly familiar.
The Musicians
Reading through the list of musicians feels like stepping into a time machine. Many of these fine young men have remained friends and colleagues for decades; others I’ve sadly lost touch with. Here’s where some of them are now:
The Horns
Sebastian Grimus – played flute on a few pieces and has since become a formidable saxophonist and producer. Currently touring with electro-swing star Parov Stelar. Check out his site HERE. Fun fact: had his music career not taken off, he could easily have worked as a photo model.
Wolfgang Häuptli – played trumpet and is a member of the Zurich Jazz Orchestra. Beyond that, I’d love to know what he’s up to today.
Thomas Feurer – played alto saxophone and has been a close ally ever since. He became a full-time producer, working across deep house and electro-swing. He knows more about music production and the business than most people I know (though he’d strongly dispute this — which is probably why we’re still friends). More about Thomas’ work HERE.
Stephan Kammerer – a saxophonist and the man behind SK Mouthpieces. Learn more HERE. I’m not sure where he lives these days, but I’d love to reconnect.
The Rhythm Section
Neil Itzler – played guitar at the recital and was already a well-known “Boston cat,” active in the professional scene. He stayed close to Berklee and has been an Assistant Professor in the Ensemble Department since 2003. More about Neil HERE.
André Spang – played piano. I first met him in the Berklee Yellowjackets Ensemble and was blown away by his playing. Based in Cologne, Germany, André has built a fascinating career, now working with the state chancellery for North Rhine-Westphalia while never straying far from his piano. Hear him in a collaboration from a few years back and more about André HERE.
Chris Lukes – played drums with a deep pocket. Last time I saw him was in Paris when he was performing with Enrique Iglesias. More recently, he’s been drumming with a Prince Tribute Band out of Florida. (Not sure where “Sussex, England” came from on the flyer — maybe some extended family connection?)
Fun fact: the flyer also lists “Stefan Redtenbacher – Salzburg, Germany.” Besides being inaccurate, it’s an odd slip considering the complicated historical relationship between Austria and Germany during WWII. No doubt an innocent mistake.
The Music
All of the tunes — except “Boboleans” — made it onto the ‘Boozing Wizards (Searching for the Stone of Funk)’ album, recorded in Winthrop, Boston, in spring 1996 before my move to London.
To finance my very first CD, I sold absolutely everything I owned.
Here’s what it sounds like:
A life in music
Looking back, it’s wonderful to see that every one of my fellow Funkateers carved out their own path in music. Some became session players, producers, instrument makers, professors, consultants, or touring artists.
Their talent, drive, and shared time at Berklee not only shaped their careers but also forged lifelong friendships. As a result, I remain hugely grateful for the decades of connection and creativity that began with this recital.