Far away (to some) yet close to me a jammy local band has emerged from humble roots from Play Diem to daily bar gigs scratching the surface of local talent and one name embodies all of this: Sofus. Perhaps named after a cat, I’d like to imagine Sofus as a creative enterprise compacted into the phenomenon that is three (will always be four to me, you the man Matt) wonderful and intellectual human beings.
When one is determing good listening in terms of locality they look to the highest bidder. Hold up. Take a step back, throw that idea out; now think local grooves, think hometown funk. You know what you’re thinking of? Sofus.
(Sofus live at Play Diem, Tompkins Square Park, NY)
Consisting of currently three people, Sofus is a lyrical inspiring, epically improvised jam band that consists of not only musical creativity or affluence but a sense of humanity and civility a rare mix of talents.
First a sincere thank you and recognition towards Matthew Clements:
A terrific pianist, and one day the best Dad, Matt was a founding member of Sofus up until some odd months ago. Known for a wide eyed smile, captivating talent and personality, his throne was facing the one instrument that could harness the power of a thousand suns and releasing the energy of 5 supernovae. Due to reasons beyond human control he had to trace his path back home to be the man we all recall him as, a caring and thoughtful individual. Miss you lots man, and best of life!
Heart pounding. Blood shaking. Spartan-haired funky magical wizardry only to be harbored by the great gulf of a person, Michael Mirino. Legend may have it, but reality most importantly knows this is one badass musician. Aside from having one of the most complicated and sound inducing bass rigs a boy could ever ask for, he envelops a spark not found in high heeled boys..but within the utter might of his fingers. I mean, just look at him! One of the greatest musicians I could ever have had the most genuine pleasure playing with, Mike is utterly the groove portion of Sofus.
(I’m struggling who to choose next, as there is no ‘last but not least’ metaphor in the realm of Sofus there is the outstanding notion that they are the last of groove mastering.)
Who beats Trey at seductive singing? This guy. Who puts the FU in Sofus? Maybe not this guy, but at least his high energy guitar riffing and incendiary soloing does. Michael (theres that name again) O’Donnell, the man in the beanie and the modern day beatnik, another prized gem in this chest of funky excitement. Sofus would not be the name it is if it weren’t for the observational ethic Mike possesses. Lets take a look at that striking finish on his Fender, or decide the true levels of reverb being utilized. The lyricist as well as namer of the band, holds a different kind of candle to the scene of jam bands. Truth in mind, success in time. And success doesn’t light up in platinum and gold, it lights up in smiles and cheers from the delight Sofus has to offer.
You know the feeling of knowing your best friend plays in a killer inspiring funk band? Yeah this picture resembles my experience after every Showfus. The soul that this guy, Kurt Sommer has is the epitome of Soulfus. Fast rudiments, profound time keeping, embellishing accents—just a few descriptions to start off. A pivotal role of the drummer is to hold the song together, but Kurt holds the band together. For without these drums it would be just a coffee shop gig, and thats not enough to unleash the funk. From grass roots jam sessions in CT to watching the best drummer a bassist or for that matter, a band could ask for, Kurt is rising higher than the moon in a cold Winter, and to that rise on you crazy diamond.
I can go on and on explaining my thoughts about the band, but wheres the excitement in language? You’re thinking, “well alright then. Gimme something to shake my booty to!”
Allow me to introduce the music (in link form) of the famed Sofus!
https://sofustheband.bandcamp.com/releases
And check them out on the Facebook page, Sofus.
The one, the only…
(Yes they are a 3 piece. Yes they play for Bar Mitzvahs.)
Old Soul Drifting in a New World 