Twooda Funkit Embrace the Improv

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Twooda Funkit are a little different than the average local band. Where songs are usually performed as they are written and band members generally have one task to carry out, Twooda Funkit switches things up and aims for efforts of improvisation and flexibility. Meet jazz/funk/groove-inspired outfit Twooda Funkit, the moniker of keyboardist Jack Toforo and drummer Nate Campbell. The band formerly originated as a four-piece band based in East Vancouver under Whooda Funkit and featured a bass player and a guitar player. Now Jack, with a background in studying jazz, and Nate with a rock-influenced style, fronts the band with a blend of both styles.

Improvisation and flexibility is what makes this duo an impressing feat and a little different than the usual performing band. Twooda Funkit began exploring their sounds by playing at the Mountain Shadow Pub in North Burnaby where they still perform often on Thursday nights. With just two members in the band, flexibility is important; Jack covers the bass lines through a split keyboard bass with his left hand while hammering out, and sometimes improvising, chords and melodies with his right. Moreover, the band would often incorporate guest vocalists into their live set on many nights creating a more raw, jazzy and hip-hop feel to their set.

Band influences include the likes of Medeski Martin and Wood, A Tribe Called Quest, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, The Band, Bob Marley, and many more. These influences undoubtedly play a part in Twooda Funkit’s musical stylings and with such diversity at hand, the band’s songs make for an interesting listen and provide the right vibes for many people to easily dance and groove to in a variety of settings.

Twooda Funkit plans to further develop their sound and performance by exploring their potential in the downtown region in the future and are looking forward to adding some new and different sounds to the mix.

Find Twooda Funkit’s music:

Soundcloud – http://soundcloud.com/jacktaforo

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Twooda-Funkit/336628159705307

About the Author: Sonia Sophia

Sonia is from Vancouver, British Columbia and is currently a Communications student at SFU. When she's not busy with school or work, she co-runs a music blog, networks with music industry individuals, promotes shows, interviews bands, jams with her friends, attends as many concerts as physically possible, works on some art and photography, and volunteers for awesome independent organizations. Pretty much all she hears, thinks, talks, and cares about is music, music, and wait for it...music. In the future, she would love to travel more, meet more amazing people and to continue being an enormous music nerd as she continually expands her music collection.

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