Guitar virtuoso Fareed Haque will lead his Funk Brothers band this Friday and Saturday night at the Maple Leaf Bar. On Saturday night, two special guests—Victor Wooten and Jeff Coffin—will join the band.
Fareed Haque is one of the greats. Steeped in classical and jazz traditions, he is known for his unique command of the guitar and mastery of different musical styles. His latest ensemble features three other masters of their instruments—pedal steel guitarist Roosevelt Collier, organist Tony Monaco, and New Orleans’ own drummer Stanton Moore.
Haque had a distinctly cosmopolitan upbringing. With a Pakistani father and Chilean mother, he was exposed to a wide variety of styles of music from a very young age. He loved jazz, but took a turn towards classical music when he transferred to Northwestern University in college.
Before long he was an in-demand sideman. He did a long stretch both touring and recording with acclaimed Cuban musician Paquito D’Rivera. His association with D’Rivera led to his signing on Sting’s label, Pangaea. He played briefly with the bass legend and recorded two albums on his label.
After a short stint at Warner Brothers, Haque joined the prestigious Blue Note family. He recorded three albums as a leader and toured and recorded extensively with musicians including Joe Henderson, Herbie Mann, Bob James, Joey Calderazzo, Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Joe Lovano, and Paul Motian.
Then he became a jam band legend with his group Garaj Mahal, which leads to this weekend’s superb lineup. Roosevelt Collier was brought up in the tradition of the House of God Church and built his reputation alongside his uncles and cousins in the Lee Boys. His lightning-fast slide work on the pedal steel floors audiences.
The legendary Jimmy Smith mentored organist Tony Monaco. He was schooled in the classic jazz organ trio style, yet unlike other “old school” organists, he doesn’t smolder or swing, he burns. Drummer Stanton Moore needs no introduction here.
Saturday night features two more world-renowned musicians. Bassist Victor Wooten is a founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. Saxophonist Jeff Coffin is a member of the Dave Matthews Band and a former member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.
Tickets for Friday night are here and Saturday night are here.
