Saxophonist Jeff Coffin and his "Mu’tet", truly defy musical categories, and obliterate musical boundaries with their take-home-with-you compositions, their mind-bending solos and their swirling, danceable odd rhythms and exotic world music influences. Their latest effort is a new "Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet Live! ", a double CD described as "over the top funky and burning with energy and killer tunes." Coffin & the Mu'tet throw down and bring out the music lover in everyone. The album was released on the Ear Up Records label, and recorded live at SPACE (Chicago/Evanston, IL) and at MOMO'S (Austin, TX) in 2010/2011.The Mu’tet is led by 3-time Grammy winning saxophonist & composer Jeff Coffin. On tour with Dave Matthews Band since July, 2008 and with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones since 1997, Coffin strives to expand himself, his band mates and listeners with music flavored by his wide musical interests. Drawing from African, New Orleans, Indian, funk, jazz, folk, Gypsy, rock, fusion, Brazilian and other styles of music, Coffin sends shockwaves down people’s spines with his fierce soloing and inspiring compositions. A passionate and curious player, Coffin is known to use guitar effects on his sax as well as sometimes playing two, count ‘em…two, saxes at the same time!
On drums is the legendary Jeff “Apt. Q-258” Sipe. Jeff & Jeff have been playing together for many years and Sipe recorded on the Mu’tet cd BLOOM as well as the ‘DUET’ project with Coffin (Compass Records). He is renowned for his mind bending drumming with the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Trey Anastasio, Susan Tedeschi, Greg Osby, Phil Lesh, Project Z, Jonas Hellborg & Shawn Lane, Leftover Salmon, Alex Machacek, The Jimmy Herring Project, and many, many others. When Jeff Sipe unleashes his whirlwind of rhythms and grooves they have to be seen and, especially, heard to be believed.
When not touring with legendary guitarist, Derek Trucks, Kofi Burbridge is on keyboards and flute - bringing his not-so-secret Weapons of Mass deFunkstruction to the Mu’tet. You better watch your back. Kofi is one of the most gifted improvisers and composers on the music scene…Period! Kofi is featured on the latest Mu’tet release MUTOPIA and recently recorded with the legendary Herbie Hancock!
Felix Pastorius, son of bass great Jaco Pastorius, roots the Mu’tet on electric bass. He has been playing with the group since 2002 and is featured on MUTOPIA. Felix has also been touring recently with legendary jazz drummer Cindy Blackman while living and playing in NYC. At 6’ 6” tall, Felix is a gifted composer and a monster bassist with the chops and sensitivity of someone twice his height.
Bill "the Spaceman" Fanning rounds out the horns on trumpet. Bill has performed with Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, the Mu'tet, Glenn Frye (of the Eagles), George Garzone, Jon Faddis, Maria Schneider and George Russell. In 2005, Coffin produced Bill's debut CD, "Parakletos". A brilliant improvisor and musician, Bill is stretching the boundries of the trumpet by using guitar pedals while still rooting his technique, concept, and sound in the masters.
Mike Seal is a "Young Lion" of the guitar world. He sets people back in their seats with his burning lines, stunning ideas and a remarkable tone that defies his 25 years on the planet. You might hear a little John Scofield, Jimi Hendrix, Derek Trucks, Tony Rice, Stevie Ray Vaughn, or Lionel Loueke, but you’re always hearing Mike Seal. Listen up, he’s the real deal."
I really enjoyed the Mu'tet's previous album, 2008's "Mutopia", and as live albums go, the Mu'tet's latest is wonderful, beginning with the funky and infectious "Tag", with a bass line that fans of all things Pastorious will love. Personally, I've always loved the drumming of Sipe, beginning with his work with the Aquarium Rescue Unit, Leftover Salmon and even Jazz is Dead. On the tune "Mad Hatter Rides Again", Sipe is at his crispy best, propelling Burbridge to display some of his best work on the Fender Rhodes. Coffin's latin-flavored "L'Esperance" was perhaps my favorite; the horn arrangements are some of the album's best; the textures thoughtful and Sipe was once again, amazing.
Truly, there is not another band quite like Jeff Coffin & the Mu'tet.
