Euforquestra
Originally from Iowa City, IA, recently relocated to Fort Collins, CO, Eufórquestra has been touring more than ever and is continuing to take its cutting edge music in different directions. Their self-proclaimed “Afro-Caribbean-Barnyard-Funk” brings a rhythmic wall of sound, integrating such genres as Afrobeat, Reggae, Afro-Cuban, Samba, Soca, Funk, Salsa, and Dub. Although the band is most commonly associated with the jamband community, Eufórquestra’s music appeals to anyone and everyone with a sound that “explodes, dances and melts in your ear with sheer bliss” (Chris M. Slawecki; www.allaboutjazz.com).
With two full-length albums to their name and a relentless tour schedule (over 300 shows in the last two and a half years), the band has created a presence on the national scene as well as online in social nextworks like Myspace, Facebook and YouTube. They have performed all over the U.S. at clubs, concert halls, community events, and festivals, including Wakarusa (Lawrence, KS), moe. Summer Camp (Chillicothe, IL), 80/35 (Des Moines, IA), Sweet Pea Festival (Bozeman, MT), Nedfest (Nederland, CO), Groovefest (Cedar City, UT), the Montana Beer Festival (Bozeman, MT) and the Iowa City Jazz Festival.
In July 2006, “Ochun,” a song from Eufórquestra’s second studio album, was included on Global Rhythm Magazine’s monthly compilation disc. In early 2008, Eufórquestra had the opportunity to collaborate with an all-star lineup including Page McConnell (Phish), Russell Batiste (Funky Meters), Reed Mathis (Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Teal Leaf Green) and Papa Mali at the Big Easy Blowout, a three-day tour of shows across Colorado’s front range with all proceeds going to benefit the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic and the Tipitina’s Foundation.
2009 promises to be an exciting year for Eufórquestra as the group continues to tour and connects with bands such as John Brown’s Body and The Motet for collaborative shows during the Spring months. The band is currently working on a third studio album at Backbone Studios in Loveland, CO (www.backbonestudio.com). This project brings Eufórquestra’s sound to soaring new heights with a collection of songs that captures a band in peak performance in terms of songwriting, arranging and energy. Check back often for news and announcements relating to the new studio album.
