About the Band/Bios
Volunteer Funk Dept. is a jazz-funk-groove band from Denver, playing originals and covers in the styles of Galactic, Greyboy Allstars/Karl Denson, The Meters, and Soulive, and assorted latin and reggae.
This 5-piece instrumental act is comprised of drums, bass, guitar, keys, and saxophone. Members of the group have been active in the Denver scene for years, playing in groups like Flex Luther, 3Litre, Irie Still, and the Demon Funkies, and sharing the stage with national acts and all of the top regional acts. Members of the Volunteer Funk Dept. were one of the handful of bands selected to play the South Park Main Stage at the South Park Music festival, out of over 1200 applicants.
Ben Cordes -- keyboards
Formally self trained keyboardist and composer who's influences include MMW, Bernie Worrell, HH, and many many more.
I am an outspoken advocate of conservative improvisation, the spaces between the notes are part of the music too!
Honored by the opportunity to volunteer and serve with the infamous Funk Dept.
Dan Steelman -- Guitar
Dan is the newest volunteer after being drafted from the Second City where he performed on guitar, electric and upright bass with bands like Sneek!, The Acoustic Conundrum, Swing Pocket, and Scottish McMillan.
Musical influences are wide and varied but include The Meters, Monk, Greyboy Allstars, T.O.P., Motown, Charlie Hunter, Weather Report, Tribal Tech, and far too many others to mention.
Phil D -- Electric Bass
Hola Amigos !
I know it's been long time since I rapped at ya, but lately it's been crazy busy and truly, you gotta make time for the LOWFREQ.
With over 25 years playing bass in Jazz, Funk & Blues bands, this Volunteer is proud to Serve and Protect the FUNK.
Pete L -- Tenor Saxophone
Pete has been playing saxophone for over 20 years. He has shared the stage with Big Head Todd, ALO, Flobots, Garaj Mahal, and other tasty acts. His top influences are Karl Denson, Charlie Parker, Maceo Parker & James Brown, and the best band ever: Steely Dan.
Bmills -- background hogwash
I exist mainly to listen to everyone else's musical ideas, then tweak them ever-so-slighly and immediately declare them as my own.
Musical influences over the years, in no particular order, include Fishbone, Phish, the Dead, Marley, the Godfather (JB), Genesis, Rush, Tribe, Beasties, Tower of Power, Allman's, Jamiroquai, Steely Dan, Weather Report, Miles, Sly & the Family, etc ...
Former bands in Denver: Irie Still, Flex Luther