Thelonious Funk Brings an Infectious Sound

Few bands can create such an infectious sound that everyone in a sports bar in Highlands loudly chants for more from a group of high school seniors. Thelonious Funk, out of Red Bank, is one of the more promising and unique acts in the area right now, and with their incredibly young and ambitious core of members the sky’s the limit. 

Jake Fisher (left), Bruce Martin ‘20 (center), and Jordan Chesebrough ’20 (right) at the Chubby Pickle

T-Funk was the headliner of an under-21 event that took place at a local sports bar in downtown Highlands, called the Chubby Pickle. The band is comprised of percussionist Mike Viani (filling in on drums for Alex Siegel), bassist Paul Rienhold, Kenny Blake on the keys, Will Blake on the saxophone, two guitarists Jake Fisher and Bruce Martin ‘20, and lead vocals Jordan Chesebrough ‘20. These guys jumped on stage and immediately electrified the Pickle faithful with original song “Holy Water,” then showed their range of influences and styles with a rocking cover of Arctic Monkeys jam “Teddy Picker.” They’re most popular song, Kaleidoscope World, is a smooth and mellow jazz bop that had everyone singing along. Chesebrough cites one of the band’s main influences are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as shown in the hard and funky bassline and drums of original song “Underground.” They continued to jam out a “Redbone” reggae cover and a closing cover of “That Lady” by the Isley Brothers that had everyone on their feet and chanting for an encore, in which T-Funk graced everyone with a cover of “Can’t Feel My Face.” 

Kenny Blake (front) and Paul Rienhold (back) rocking out.

The band brings a fun, funky, and fresh energy to their shows. The guys always look like they are having the time of their life. Chesebrough always tries to interact with the crowd and keep them engaged, be it through a quick joke, or an intense cowbell battle between him and percussionist Viani. Their music is a diverse mix, with their sound being influenced by artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anderson .Paak, and indie jazz band Snarky Puppy. Although they often play at the Chubby Pickle, Chesebrough affirmed that the group’s favorite place to perform is the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park. Thelonious Funk is a band who is ready to burst into the upper levels of the local scene, led by two Colts who are committed to bringing funky jams to a town near you.