When you think of Jazz bands or artists you think of the birth of cool or coolness factor. You may hear cool names like Spyro Gyra, Irakere, etc.... Lettuce, now there is a name to remember. But then again lettuce is cool and refreshing which is what this Jazz Funk band is all about. The band originates from Boston, Massachusettes, and got together in 1992. All the members met at a music program that was being given at the Berklee College of Music as teenagers. The band members are all fans of Jazz Funk artists like Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power, and Earth, Wind, and Fire, The Meters, and others They had broken up and went their separate ways but in 1994 they reconvened now as undergrads at Berklee. While in college they tried getting gigs at some of the Jazz clubs there in Boston. At times begging club owners or Jazz musicians to let them play. Through word of mouth, the band started getting gigs in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, and even as far as Tokyo, Japan.
They released their first album in 2002 called Outta Here which was recorded live at the Blue Note club here in NYC. Lettuce has recorded several albums and two of its original members are members of the Jazz-Funk band, Soulive. Many of the members have had success playing with other artists like Britney Spears, John Scofield, Dave Matthews band, Robert Randolph & the Family band, and many others. Their album, Elevate was nominated for a Grammy for Instrumental Album of the Year for 2020. They recently released their latest album, Resonate. Check out this cool funky band and support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!
Silence is Golden
Comments