Is Snarky Puppy a Jazz Band? Is it an improvisational rock band? Or is it something different? If you have not heard of them in the last 17 years since they began recoding, let me introduce you.
The band was formed as a 10-piece group by Michael League after his second year at the University of North Texas, in 2004, “Because I was so bad,” he claimed, “I didn't place into any of the school ensembles. So Snarky Puppy was my way of getting to play.” The group has grown into an international super-band made up of "...a wide-ranging assemblage of musicians known affectionately as 'The Fam'." In more than 17 years since its founding, about 40 players have performed in "The Fam" on guitar, bass, keyboards, woodwinds, brass, strings, drums, and percussion, but six of the 10 members on the first studio album The Only Constant remain on the regular roster. Many past and present band members were students at the University of North Texas.
Personally I find their music most reminiscent of Frank Zappa's instrumental pieces, which is a great compliment. In typical 21st Century style, they focus more on touring and live performance rather than CDs. Many of their videos are live "in studio" performances where the audience is all wearing headphones so they hear the full studio mix as the band lays down the tracks.
Check out the drummers in this band. Nate Werth does not get enough camera time! He is snarky puppy’s secret weapon. What an amazing percussionist! Especially at 5:21 both him and Larnell Lewis are playing 32nd notes in unison… crazyyy
