Formed at Osaka University's jazz society in 1992, where, in search of an ever-tighter sound, the band progressed from Count Basie to James Brown. Seeing the Godfather of Soul's funk template as 'the gold standard' for a rhythm combo, they named themselves after the 1975 Funk classic '(It's Not The Express) It's The J.B.'s Monaurail', appropriating the mis-spelling and setting out to be the 'New Ministers of Super Heavy Funk' for future generations.
Now, having directly toured with Marva Whitney, Fred Wesley, Martha High, Rickey Calloway and Sir Joe Quaterman, as well as producing and backing solo albums for Whitney and High, they are on a mission to capture the energy, sound and excitement of funk's heyday. Expect to see a nine-piece band with sharp suits, organised steps, trumpets twirling in formation and the dynamic showmanship of charismatic singer and director Ryo Nakata. And expect to hear world-class, authentic, heavy funk.
