Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy

Snarky Puppy is a New York-based group active since 2004. It is a Grammy-winning instrumental jazz fusion and funk band led by bassist, composer and producer Michael League. The group has a large, flexible line-up of nearly 30 musicians, who are referred to as “The Fam” on recordings and tours. Many current and former members are students or alumni of the University of North Texas.

Style and instrumentation

The band works across contemporary jazz, jazz, jazz fusion and funk, and its music is often described as genre-crossing. The ensemble includes guitars, keyboards, saxophones, brass, percussion and strings, and the musicians rotate across a wide range of instruments. League has also described the band’s music as “jafunkadansion”, reflecting its mix of instrumental and dance-oriented elements.

Formation and early releases

Snarky Puppy forms in Denton, Texas in 2004 and releases its debut album, Live at Uncommon Ground, in 2005. Its second album, The Only Constant, appears in 2006, after which the band begins touring extensively. The first four albums are released on Sitmom Records, before the fifth album, Tell Your Friends, arrives on Ropeadope Records in 2010.

Family Dinner and recognition

In 2013, the band begins its Family Dinner Volume One project, recording live at the Jefferson Center in Roanoke, Virginia with a number of vocalists. Its performance of “Something” with Lalah Hathaway wins a Grammy for Best R&B Performance in 2014.

Membership

Musicians associated with the group include Zach Brock, Chris Bullock, Jay Jennings, Bob Lanzetti, Bill Laurance, Michael League, Mark Lettieri, Larnell Lewis, Mike Maher, Chris McQueen, 小川慶太, Bob Reynolds, Jamison Ross, Robert Searight, Bobby Sparks, Justin Stanton, Jason “JT” Thomas, Nate Werth, Marcelo Woloski, Cory Henry and Shaun Martin. Listed roles include bass, oud, percussion, trumpet, flugelhorn, saxophones, violin, piano, keyboards, guitars, drums and a range of percussion instruments.