On Oct. 3, keyboardist Joel “Razor Sharp” Johnson — who had played with Cincinnati Funk artist Freekbass’ band The Bump Assembly for the past three years (and appeared in the “Steppin Outta Line” video this summer) — died following surgery for a heart problem. Among other gigs, Johnson had also frequently collaborated with hometown Funk icon Bootsy Collins, beginning in the ’70s when he was a member of Bootsy’s Rubber Band.
Cincinnati keyboardist Sky White — of the groups Foxy Shazam and J Dorsey Band — is sitting in with the The Bump Assembly for show dates throughout the remainder of 2018. (White is also the founder of the locally based Wendigo Tea Co.). Touring duties include shows in Florida and throughout the Midwest, including hometown dates this week at Southgate House Revival, as well as at the 2018 Cincinnati Entertainment Awards celebration on Sunday at Memorial Hall in Over-the-Rhine.
Friday’s post-Turkey Day event is Freekbass’ annual “Funksgiving” concert. For this year’s show, Freekbass and his band will be joined by singer Sammi Garett of the colorful Brooklyn Funk/Soul/R&B/Pop outfit Turkuaz (who just played last month at Madison Theater in Covington, Ky.). Garett has been recording with Freekbass this year; like Johnson, she appears on the “Steppin Outta Line” single and is featured in the music video.
“It’s always special playing at home, and this year we are going to turn it up a bit,” Freekbass says of this year’s Funksgiving. “Our friend Sammi always takes things to another level with her talent and style, and we have a few other surprises in store, too.”
Find tickets and more Funksgiving info here.
