Jazz Encounters ft. FAT PRODUCE

FRIDAY, AUGUST 9 - FAT PRODUCE

Fat Produce is a Miami-based soul jazz trio led by Studio City, CA natives, guitarist Addison Rifkind and drummer Michael Duffy. This duo, alongside upright bass, is a guaranteed head-nodder whose live set includes a fresh mix of original compositions and deep cuts from the hip-hop, soul, and jazz crates. Taking inspiration from the past, Fat Produce breathes new life into the guitar trio format and unearths a modern musical vocabulary encompassing the past 70 years of musical heritage while keeping it funky and groove focused.

Fat Produce is proud to release their debut, funk-filled 45, “!”

Following the lineage of classic soul jazz songwriting, “Sticky Beets” kicks off side A with a familiar feel, but one that’s uniquely Fat Produce. Taking the language of Idris Muhammad and Clyde Stubblefield, drummer Michael Duffy molded these two icons into his own vocabulary that blends seamlessly with Addison Rifkind’s Grant Green, Boogaloo Joe Jones, and George Benson-inspired melodic form. The feel encompasses The JB’s original lineup but with a signature Fat Produce funk. Written during Rifkind’s and Duffy’s weekly rehearsal and writing sessions, “Sticky Beets” is a collaborative effort highlighting their many influences in the classic soul jazz realm.

On the flip, side B’s “SON!” takes things up a notch with a swamp funk etude transformed into a bonafide funk banger. This tune emerged from a riff Rifkind was shedding during one writing session. When Duffy heard this line, inspiration struck. He quickly jumped on the kit and asked Rifkind to keep looping it. Duffy then experimented with several Bay-Area-inspired funk grooves, and boom just like that, the A and B sections were born. With the gritty and almost country-funk hook, intricate drum feel, and bouncing upright bass break, “SON!” is a fresh take on what the classic guitar trio can do.

After the concert is an open jam. Bring your instrument!

Students! Be sure to score one of the limited free student tickets.

Host or Publisher WDNA Radio