The Burns Bros (twin brothers from Albuquerque, NM) and Brian Kirk (a Seattle native) have worked together for over a decade on music. It took a TV show called “Gary The Rat” and a culmination of technical and creative energies to generate the unique synthesis of electronic music, big band jazz, turntablism, hip hop, and world music that you now hold in your hand (or have on your desk).

If you are wondering what “Solamingus” means. There’s a long and short version of the story. Here’s the long version…. Back in the early days of the group, naming songs consisted of combining two names or words together. When Jeff came up with an idea inspired by Charlie Mingus combined with a song (which name has since been forgotten) with the word “Sola” in it, he put the two words together as a title for his new creation, “Solamingus.” The song eventually drifted back into their growing catalog of songs until the day the boys needed a name for the band. Lots of names were thrown around and rejected for one reason or another. Then the name “Solamingus” came up. It was acceptable to everyone and stuck. Since then it has certainly raised an eyebrow or two – and begged the question: “What does it mean?” It means what you want it to mean – It means music….or it means nothing at all.

Now for the boring stats on the band. Solamingus’ music has had rave reviews, received awards, and has been placed in television shows, commercials, films and video games. They were featured in a TV program called “40 Deuce” which aired on Bravo a few years ago. If you watch the nine inch TV in the elevator of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay – listen for Solamingus – they’re in the background of the “40 Deuce” commercial. They have released 4 albums and “Define Funk” will be their 5th. They are a production group which rarely mounts a stage. They would rather tinker with sounds in front of a computer all day than go bungee jumping.

“What,” you ask “is the future of Solamingus?” Well they are planning on defragging some drives this week, eating Nancy’s famous chili at the Honeybaked Ham store for lunch and will sit at a computer for a few dozen hours trying to get a Gospel Choir, Bodhran loop , and trumpet solo to work together.
 

Solamingus is a production group that blends electronic dance grooves with jazz, funk, big band horns, hip hop and turntablism into a hooky fresh sound. “Define Funk” is Solamingus’ 5th CD release. Inspiration runs the gamut on this release from New Orleans Jazz to Hip Hop and Gospel. As the title implies, Solamingus explores the roots of funk thru their own unique musical vision and, as with their previous releases, there’s a sense of confidence, sexiness, and cheeky fun throughout the collection.

SOME FAQ……

What bands influence Solamingus?
Solamingus is influenced by a wide range of music. Bands such as Fatboy Slim, Mocean Worker, and Mr Scruff along with lots of others are the inspiration for the electronic side of the group. Everyone from Count Basie to Bjork to Bob Marley inspire us melodically and rhythmically. Artists such as Cut Chemist and Mix Master Mike inspire our turntablism.

Is Solamingus “dance” music or “sit down and listen” music?
Solamingus can be very infectious and danceable, but ultimately it is “sit down and listen” music. It is designed with sophisticated rhythms, melodies, and harmonies and lots of details. Our goal is to transport you out of the “everyday” and into a fresh, new place.

Where do all the horns and samples come from? Do you play instruments?
The horns and samples are from lots of different sources. You would be surprised how many of them are actually out of our own library of original music. Over the years we have done Big Band recording sessions where we have composed original big band music. We then cut those sessions into lots of pieces, throw those pieces in the air, and let them fall into place as new Solamingus songs. Yes, we do play instruments. Greg is a guitarist and keyboardist, Jeff is a Bassist, Keyboardist and DJ, and Brian is a Keyboardist. No one is restricted to an instrument, though, and the tracks consist of ‘everyone playing anything.’