A Vision Beyond Boundaries
Formed in San Diego as the house band for DJ Greyboy's underground label, the quintet—saxophonist Karl Denson, keyboardist Robert Walter, guitarist Elgin Park (Michael Andrews), bassist Chris Stillwell, and drummer Aaron Redfield—has spent three decades pushing the boundaries of soul jazz, rare groove, and funk.
"We started with a foundation rooted in soul jazz," reflects Park. "But over the years, we've made it our mission to mix things up—incorporating elements of folk, funk, boogaloo, and even new wave. It’s about having fun, breaking barriers, and creating music that inspires movement and joy.”
Walter adds, “The tracks on Grab Bag represent the experimental edges of what we do. They didn’t fit into the flow of previous albums, but revisiting them now, they show our versatility and artistic range.”
An “Allstars” Legacy
What began as a local band interpreting Greyboy’s rare groove discoveries has blossomed into a collective of internationally renowned musicians:
Michael Andrews (Elgin Park): An acclaimed composer, Andrews has scored iconic films like Donnie Darko and series such as Freaks & Geeks. His latest project, Piece by Piece, tells Pharrell Williams’ story through LEGO animation.
Robert Walter: A jazz-funk trailblazer, Walter divides his time between leading his 20th Congress and touring with legends like Roger Waters and Phish’s Mike Gordon.
Karl Denson: The saxophonist fronts his band, Tiny Universe, and the jazz trio KD3, while also touring globally with The Rolling Stones.
Chris Stillwell and Aaron Redfield: The rhythm section’s versatility extends into pop and hip-hop sessions, having collaborated with Sia, Elton John, and Charli XCX.
Their combined artistry elevates The Greyboy Allstars beyond the label of "revivalists" into a cornerstone of modern funk and jazz.
Unveiling Grab Bag
The album’s genesis lies in a practical yet fortuitous pause. Recording sessions for new material in late 2023 were interrupted by members' commitments to other projects. Instead of halting momentum, the band dug into their archive of unreleased tracks, polishing and reimagining material that had become fan favorites in live performances.
“We always knew we had these gems waiting in the vault,” says Park. “When our recording schedule got disrupted, it felt like the right time to revisit them.” Two new tracks from their latest sessions, “Suadela” and “Pixie Stick,” join the compilation, bridging the past and present.
A Modern Sound with Timeless Appeal
The tracks on Grab Bag highlight the band’s adventurous spirit:
“Suadela” and “Pixie Stick” bring a contemporary groove while staying rooted in GBA’s signature sound.
Other cuts blur genres, blending relaxed grooves, synth textures, and horn-laden funk with experimental flourishes.
True to their ethos, the album defies categorization, redefining what West Coast boogaloo means in a modern context.
Though its title may suggest randomness, Grab Bag: 2007–2023 is anything but haphazard. Instead, it paints a vivid picture of a band unafraid to explore uncharted musical territory while staying true to their soulful roots.
The Tour: Bringing the Groove to the Stage
To celebrate the release, The Greyboy Allstars hit the road with a series of intimate performances. Expect high-energy renditions of Grab Bag tracks, alongside classics from their expansive catalog.
Tour Dates:
- November 22: Oakland, CA - The New Parish
- November 23: San Francisco, CA - The Independent
- November 29 & 30: Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up
- February 7: Los Angeles, CA - Lodge Room
A Lasting Legacy
As Grab Bag: 2007–2023 hits shelves and streaming platforms, it serves as a testament to The Greyboy Allstars’ ongoing evolution and enduring influence. For fans and newcomers alike, it’s a vibrant reminder of why this quintet remains at the forefront of the modern funk and jazz scene.
“There’s no end to where we can take this music,” says Park. “As long as we’re having fun, there’s always something new to discover.”
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