News
Latest music, Masterlink Sessions notes, tour updates and project stories from Redtenbacher's Funkestra.
314 posts
Brass artist Christoph Wundrak and Stefan Redtenbacher team up to write a piece for large wind and brass ensemble. The resulting ‘BIG BEE’ is dedicated to the JSTM MV Jung St. Marien to raise awareness for threatened bee populations worldwide, in loving memory to Bernhard ‘Big B’ Auer’
Read story
?Funkberater? merges two bands into one massive group featuring two drummers, two guitarists, two keyboard players, percussion, drums and a Big Band horn section. London based mastermind Stefan Redtenbacher is featuring his UK flagship band the Redtenbacher?s Funkestra doubled up with Backwood Five – an Austrian band performing his compositions for which he is also the musical director and bassist. Stefan’s Funkestra has clocked up over one millions Spotify streams and wants to shine some light at this side-project as well as showcasing his contemporary Big Band instrumental with an infectious beat and riff to boot.
Read story
‘Bump-de-Bump’ is firmly stepping into the footsteps of the Meters and the Funkestra’s general love for the New Orleans Funk and Jazz tradition.
Read story
Guitarist Nat Martin playing an instrumental cover version of The Animals’ ‘House of the Rising Sun’ for the Masterlink Sessions, backed by the studio house band, the Redtenbacher’s Funkestra.
Read story
‘Blood & Whiskey’ is a rootsy funk tune with a heavy riff and some exquisite solo flights by guitarist Mike Outram and saxophonist Tucker Antell who also wrote this tune. When we asked him what the story behind the title was we heard all about his favorite Boston bar serving the cocktail that inspired this tune. A perfect tune for ‘The Preacher’ – Season 5!
Read story
‘Shutdown’ is a Jazz Fusion track in the steps of the Brecker Brothers. It was recorded live at Masterlink Studios as part of the album ‘The Hang’. Guitarist Mike Outram and Tucker Antell on tenor saxophone (who also wrote the tune) are stretching out in this intense groove workout with a perpetuating groove provided by the exquisitely solid rhythm section.
Read story
‘Backburner’ was recorded as part of ‘The Hang’ – an album recorded live at Masterlink Studios on two days. Each musician contributed original tunes to this session and the result is?fresh and exciting!
Read story
‘Go East’ is a Big Band jazz funk tune written by Stefan Redtenbacher. Inspired by Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino’s ‘The Hateful Eight’ and Jaco Pastorius’ ‘Word of Mouth’ Big Band – it has several ‘mini’ movements and features the double bass (Bruce Gertz) and electric bass (Stefan Redtenbacher) – both in accompanying and solo roles.
Read story
I’m super excited and proud about the latest Funkestra single ‘Slipped Biscuit’ featuring Steely Dan drummer Keith Carlock and Boston saxophone player Tucker Antell. Totally in love with Tucker’s fills and solo and Keith’s groove drum solo at the tag of the tune. In words of ‘Captain Autumn’ Andrew Goodwin: “Continuing his recent trend of…
Read story
?The Masterlink sessions? are a joint venture of James Welch (MLP studio) and Stefan Redtenbacher (Redtenbacher?s Funkestra) to strengthen the community of creative and open-minded musicians who love Funk, Soul, Blues and Jazz.
Read story
‘Jump Up’ is another high-energy and unalloyed Funk release by Redtenbacher’s Funkestra, best-known for their bass driven original (Jazz) Funk penned by Stefan Redtenbacher. Francesco Mendolia (Incognito) is shining with a high intensity drum performance full of vigor inspiring solo flights by Dave Limina (Hammond) and Tucker Antell (Sax).
Read story
Any Funk music lover worth their salt will know the tune ?The Chicken?. Written by former musical director and tenor saxophone player Pee Wee Ellis and lifted to further heights by legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius, ?The Chicken? remains a classic and a favorite at jam sessions and impromptu music at get-togethers. Possibly needless to say, but I always loved this funky opus.
Read story