Woo Park is a Chicago-based funk/jazz-fusion band specializing in mind-altering synth sounds and sexy siren-songs that lure you into their psychedelic world. Every musician in the group is individually a master of their craft, and their union is an impressive mix of precision and insanity. Within the past year, they’ve released their first EP, Smokes, and two new songs, Tidal and Propeller, by means of live studio sessions. The studio session videos were recorded at Rax Trax studios in Chicago and feature excellent sound quality as well as live performance prowess. Since Woo Park is known for the palpable energy of live shows where they have been known to surprise the audience with outrageous costumes, fake blood, on-stage haircuts and more, the studio sessions had a lot to live up to. Naturally, they didn’t disappoint, and only further reinforced the reign of the Woo in the emerging Chicago music scene.
Their numerous appearances at South By Southwest 2015, along with other Chicago bands such as Twin Peaks and The Boxers, helped throw them into a larger musical scope, setting them officially on the path to stardom. Woo Park is one of the rare cases in today’s music scene where true talent gets appropriately recognized. Though they still don’t receive the attention they deserve, they have a total cult following in Chicago and it’s growing in other cities they’ve played on tour.
Anyone with an appreciation for music will enjoy their EP, Smokes. It combines jazzy, sexy vocals with progressive funk and intricate timing, courtesy of drum prodigy, Luke Sangerman. Brian Sanborn shreds on the guitar in beautiful, hypnotic melodies while Emily Nichols seduces listeners with dynamic vocals that go from soft whispers full-on wailing. Christian Zwit melts your ears with insane alien sounds on the keys and Parker Grogan destroys souls on the bass, adding effects that seem to drive listeners down into the core of the earth. Together, they are a total supergroup that refuses to be ignored.
The live studio sessions and full EP are available by clicking the links below. See for yourselves the madness that awaits you. Though Woo Park definitely appeals to musicians and people who are into Steely Dan, there’s no reason why everyone can’t get down with some crazy talented people playing music that’s impossible not to groove to. They play tons of shows in Chicago, and if you’re lucky enough to be around for one, do yourselves a favor and go. They will redefine what you think of as music, and they will undoubtedly pull some insane stunts that leave you wondering whether or not you still exist. If you still haven’t gone and listened to Woo Park, I’m not sure what you’re waiting for.
FULL SMOKES EP
https://wooparkgrooves.bandcamp.com/
PROPELLER: LIVE STUDIO SESSION
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Qsn8mv15XA
TIDAL: LIVE STUDIO SESSION
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2 Comments on "Woo Park: Chicago Funk Gurus"
WooPark is the real deal!
straight up!