Dunlop Sessions: Snarky Puppy

TRACK LISTING:
00:00 Interview #1 / Warming up with “Whitecap” excerpt
02:27 Live Performance: “Binky”
16:20 Interview #2
19:01 Live Performance: “Flood”
In this episode of Dunlop Sessions, Grammy Award winners Snarky Puppy throw down with their unique brand of funky fusion, and discuss their beginnings and the risks and rewards of standing by your musical vision.
Bass, composer, band leader: Michael League
Keys: Cory Henry
Keys, trumpet: Justin Stanton
Guitar: Mark Lettieri
Trumpet, flugelhorn: Mike “Maz” Maher
Tenor sax, flute, clarinet: Chris Bullock
Percussion: Nate Werth
Drums: Larnell Lewis
VIDEO CREDITS:
Executive Producer: Jimmy Dunlop
Co-Producer: Chrys Johnson
Director: Joey Tosi
Assoc Producer: Darryl Anders
Art Director: Graham Shaw
Editor/Asst Director: Max Baloian
Director of Photography: Donavan Sell
Gaffer/Lighting: Joseph Mendoza, Little Giant Lighting & Grip, San Francisco CA
Camera Operators: Colin McCaulife, Ben Lunden, Nick Schwietzer, Andy Haney, Tandy Kyne
Recorded Live at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley Ca fantasystudios.com/
Recording & Mixing Engineer: Adam Munoz, Fantasy Studios
Audio Mastering: Peter Lyman, Infransonic Sound, Los Angeles CA www.infrasonicsound.com/
SPECIAL THANKS:
Michael League & Snarky Puppy snarkypuppy.com
SIR Music Rentals, San Francisco CA. www.sir-usa.com/location.php?c...
Market Hall Catering, Oakland CA
Jule Potter, Santa Cruz, CA www.juleamps.com

[@milz1204]

I’m convinced these are the best versions of binky and flood on yt it’s amazing

[@tofo8700]

I agree 🎉

[@donyoung5091]

Why doesn’t percussionist Nate Werth get more love? Look at his face! He’s in bliss, like his own music is surprising him lol Phenomenal musician.

[@jcoburn3590]

That man is amazing!

[@bilkun]

What makes you think he’s not getting the love? This man is amazing

[@rhyzzo_]

Exactly what I was thinking, he really keeps it going. It adds such an awesome feel. During Tarova at the tiny desk show he had a crazy solo

[@jonathanpark7245]

You check out another of his groups if you haven't heard Ghost Note kzbin.info/www/bejne/noWnnZx9pcSSp5I

[@rhyzzo_]

@@jonathanpark7245 Oh, Mono Neon. Love that guy

[@khethelozungu984]

I often think about this version of Binky, at random times on any given day.

[@LEOsoulMonarch]

19:01 TAKE US TO CHURCH MARK LETTIERI!!!!!!!!! ✝️📖🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 I FELLOWSHIP WITH DEM CHORD PROGRESSIONS!!!!! Had me about to stand up and raise my hands. I was about to say a testimony. Had to stop myself because I was at work. 😂

[@Tmokkeys]

That was the dopest guitar solo on flugle horn Ive ever heard!!!!!!

[@1MarkKeller]

WORD!

[@areebchaudhry9584]

Ringo star sure has some pipes

[@y.u.doodat9133]

Timothy Clark, right!? A wah-wah pedal for horn? Sick!!!

[@marcnelson5396]

I was thinking the same thing!!!!

[@skierpage]

6:39 the video editor's cut to the wrong camera. No, wait WHAAAAATT?! Who is he? What pedals and effects?

[@jzbowen]

So wonderful to see Larnell again with them...while the 2 other drummers I’ve seen with them are excellent, there’s just something special about Larnell with this group that I can’t explain. Just perfect - very musical and so tasteful.

[@MelkMan7]

+jzbowen The man is a virtuoso of note!

[@Tungil90]

+jzbowen I feel that two! ;) Non the less Sput, Nathaniel and the 3rd guy who sometimes playes with them (I'm awful with names) have there personal style as well. I started dislinking Sput in the beginning (just because I really really like Nathaniel and was blown away by what Larnell did in the Studio in the Netherlands). But recently I find myself enjoying the style of Sput more and more, especially on the Bill Laurance Recordings. He too has so much feel for the music!

[@Tungil90]

+jzbowen I hope you know the modern-drummer solo/song from Nathaniel Townsley? Still my favorite Drum-Solo/Song till this time! By far!!

[@ENZO76133]

+jzbowen i feel the same way, while they are all amazing Larnell brings a form of intensity to the group that Sput and the other drummers they have played with just don't. He is an incredible drummer but Larnell just has something i can't put my finger on but they make incredible music together.

[@alastairs3727]

Whilst I absolutely love Larnell's drumming - he's an absolute beast. After seeing sput and him play live with the band on different occasions, for me, sput is the one that really sits in the groove, has the most fluid style for these tunes and just 'fits'

[@SouloSwang]

I grew up with my Michael league. he was in my band in school called New Element. Always will be my lil bro for life. Proud of him!!!

[@enricolumetti1995]

Cory and Micheal jamming at ~ 12:00 , understanding each other perfectly, that's just one of the highest musical moments you will ever watch.

[@loroc223]

The moment at 12:53 is perfect. Larnell's fill, Michael's reaction and Letteri's chord. Love it.

[@TheDoomedUser]

You could tack on Larnell's smile when he sees Michael's reaction, he knows he layed down an absolute stinker with that one!

[@meredithjr81]

Man listen I get excited every time I watch it lol amazing

[@izaaberdeen4725]

Hehe couldn't be more perfect...anyone here miss Cory Henry in these harmony of Michael's Snarkies like i do? 😢 time flies like a wind

[@higler.]

Ola Strandberg killin' it on trumpet

[@Sandemose]

Mike “Maz” Maher?

[@GladrianRafindel]

I guess Mike is Maz Strandberg now

[@PeterCaspersen97]

I've always thought the same

[@aybee63]

19:01 FLOOD!!! WOW!!! That's the kind of music the world needs right now!! Sure beats all the doom and gloom out there! Nice work guys!

[@tomanocucaralhoporra]

The bit starting at 25:00 had me in awe of Larnell's dynamics. His are definitely among the best I've ever seen! Not to mention his ridiculously tasteful playing... Amazing!

[@kurtwesterfeld]

I'm not sure if I can describe how incredibly awesome the Flugel Horn solo by Mike “Maz” Maher is starting at 06:41. OMFG. Holy crap that is awesome.

[@hirehigher]

This band is out of control. They are so good as a whole. So in sync.

[@snugglebear97653]

Not only did these guys take and play my two favorite songs by them in this video, they somehow managed to MAKE THEM EVEN BETTER AND MAKE ME LIKE THEM EVEN MORE.

[@Mezurashii5]

I just learned about this band's existence. I'm really happy about it.

[@RDR911]

+Mezurashii5 'm happy that you know they exist now! They're AMAZING.

[@geetarnut]

+Mezurashii5 Finally!!! I see someone sending a horn through an effect box!!!! I've had that idea for 20 years now,,, literally speaking that is!!!

[@Mezurashii5]

Sonny Cannon Yeah, I always wonder why nobody does that.

[@geetarnut]

+Mezurashii5 You too?? LOL! It seems like a no-brainer! Oh well,,, that's life!!! Cheers!!!

[@6strbassplayer]

+Sonny Cannon Dude, Miles Davis was doing it 45 years ago! Bitches Brew was mind bending!

[@allnewmaterials7]

ugh larnell is unreal. if this man doesn't inspire you to work on your craft then i don't know what will!

[@adamboof6769]

Will H well, thats snarky puppy for you. Larnell is one of the greatest drummers of our generation, but what about cory henry? The most soulful keyboardist ever probably. Amazing AMAZING band.

[@phpn99]

Blow away by Mike Maher's flugelhorn-guitar solo

[@t.c.9838]

That flugle solo at 6:40. Damn! And that electric sounds. So good it makes no damn sense. Love it!

[@darkstatehk]

"Here we are 11½ years later" .....and you guys are still so young. Here's to the next 11½ years and beyond :)

[@brennan9629]

its one thing to be amazed at how talented these people, but it's another thing to appreciate how they can communicate on such a unique wavelength. its a very special thing that you dont ever see often

[@jasonpittmon2036]

Larnell is the truth!

[@lopezmotorsports]

These cats are monsters, musical monsters mopping the floor with notes!!! The tasty notes are everywhere! Love it!!!

[@ianmitchell5169]

+Santiago Lopez This sounds like the plot of the long-lost Godzilla/Zappa crossover

[@whocares7447]

9:25 the way that it slowly builds up is absolutely amazing!

[@avjake]

The soundscapes these guys produce are just amazing. 19:00 - A Strat in the right hands can be magical. I'm guessing this session was the best thing to happen anywhere that day.

[@darrelstinkmeaner4673]

Holy crap, this whole performance is amazing. Nate and Larnell absolutely decimated their kits!

[@georgeariza1749]

whos nate and whos laurel

[@georgeariza1749]

I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS AMAZINGNESS.

[@drkgdzz]

+Jorge Ariza Read the discription. names of the band members right there

[@xebio6]

+Jorge Ariza Check out anything with bassist and band leader Michael League in it (or any of the other musicians, for that matter). I'd start with the Tell your Friends and groundUP projects.

[@georgeariza1749]

+Mikey Drake thank you! :-)

[@wizardpb]

I can't listen to this band without balling my eyes out, they are so good. The horn section!! Oh dear Lord, the horn section.... words fail me.

[@HMohr]

Best group of musicians put together in a long time! They are making history.

[@dsg1992]

Harry Maguire on percussion and Thomas Mueller on Bass! What a band!🔥

[@NoName-mb7ng]

The middle section to Binky ( 9:06 )is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I’ve ever heard. This is such a phenomenal arrangement here. The outro slaps hard as hell too!

[@chiefmachine24]

15:18 I think we've all done that face once or twice while jamming

[@samcooke343]

+chiefmachine24 I did it while listening.

[@samcooke343]

+chiefmachine24 It happens when you hit that perfect run during improv.

[@CrisBlyth]

+samcooke343 man, your comment made me laugh .. :)

[@RDR911]

+samcooke343 No, it happens when SOMEONE ELSE does that. Do you even play music? :P

[@samcooke343]

Alex Gambrel Do you?

[@calebromberger3073]

Nobody makes a drum set sound better than Larnell Lewis. The sounds he is able to get out of his drums, and especially out of his cymbals, is absolutely perfect.

[@carson8417]

WOAH. I'm glad that I somehow found the bassist's video of examples of bass pedals. This is insanely good.

[@nsiepmann]

"Aw shit! Those harmonics usually sound like this-" *ping* "Not today!" *BAAOOUUUUGH*

[@MyMfDominoes]

Nick Siepmann neck bend intensifies

[@bendover8870]

Carson Crezee Right!?😂

[@Adiaf8oros]

12:34

[@Gregfisherstuff]

These guys are a modern day Steps Ahead. Taking it to another level. Just fantastic!

[@joenoah9906]

I enjoy listening to what Larnell Lewis brings to his style of drumming. Its refreshing to hear something other than your typical "gospel chops".

[@jimcook8933]

When each of these guys in this group is better than the other guy in this group, this is what you get! They play for each other and look for accolades from each other.

[@sdfletcher]

Mike League for President!

[@georgesheffield1580]

Have been listening to many of them for longer than snarkey puppy has been in existance . Getting better all the time .

[@SuperWeedPower]

6:41 introducing Kirk Trumpett

[@wyvernofhefei8712]

That's actually a flugelhorn

[@oromoiluig]

@@wyvernofhefei8712 but that is not funny.

[@wyvernofhefei8712]

@@oromoiluig yeah ikr

[@jaydenthadani2211]

Interestingly enough the way pedal was originally marketed for the trumpet (yes I know it’s a flugelhorn)

[@jaydenthadani2211]

Matteo Allegra it was more like it was marketed for the trumpet. When Vox made the wah pedal, it was market with Clyde McCoy so other trumpeters could achieve the wah sounds he created naturally

[@generalbenson1597]

So sick. Cory Henry is rockin those shades like a boss. And eff me, Larnell's fill at 4:54...

[@antoniopreto37]

+General Benson 9:24

[@davidsegall5842]

+General Benson Yes, they are amazing, and yes, he kind of looks like DJANGO!

[@RDR911]

+General Benson Larnell's a fuckin' boss. I'm SO LUCKY to have him on faculty at the school I go to (Humber College)

[@luchadorito]

Lol CH looks like he is hi as a kite and trying to hide it with the glasses It is a good look tho

[@flukecentral5641]

Fucking hate people who wear sunglasses indoors. So pretentious and gay. Its a shame cos I love Cory's music. I just think he's a twat.

[@bak1386]

1 of the most original groups out there. The more I watch them play the more I really dig it. I love Michael League he has been a big inspiration to my playing over the past couple years

[@paulleeming5733]

never really listened to these guys before, I am sold. What great use of instruments, effects and musicality, taken me on a journey. Wow Amazing and great dynamics. Fantastic!

[@rb5stevenumber903]

There are certain bands you here that blow your head off when you hear them and this is one of them, I was hooked when I saw the clip of Lingus performed on here and that synth solo by Cory was just brilliant. I was young enough to lucky to come through the prog rock times and jazz rock and since then I've been looking for another free flowing, expressive band. I've now found them. Be nice to see them in the UK.

[@percywoods4014]

You guys are the real deal ... Please keep doing what you are doing because you are making such a difference in people's lives with your music (it helps heal the soul). Also, big ups to Larnell Lewis, he unequivocally is one of the best drummer/musicians in the world!

[@democratsuck]

7:00 mark. Distortion on a Flugelhorn solo!!! MIND! BLOWN!!!!

[@LEOsoulMonarch]

Complete with a wah wah pedal!!!

[@williamford9921]

What in the name is that!!! Holy smokes!! What a run!! 8:43 🔥🔥🔥🔥🧯

[@MrSchivy]

This is still my favorite version of binky. Otherworldly

[@andrewxu3602]

Agreed, but this version comes pretty close: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5SXapV9i7Bkq6s

[@Yaboroqe]

'THE LOVE FOR MUSIC' as Corey said , that makes SNARKY PUPPY the best fusion band on EARTH!

[@IgorRenato]

24:27 >>> Eargasm , oh god! Awesome!!!!

[@danielveloso]

Lettieri's guitar tone is so tasteful on that intro

[@TheFlomboy]

These guys are walking miracles!

[@idcook]

Mike Maher and Chris Bullock are fantastic. I have to look for more. Everyone associated with this band is so incredible that I’d love to hear what all of them have to say about what they’re doing.

[@gustafsone]

Larnell Lewis in the house!!!! I have nothing but love for Sput, but Larnell is my favorite Snarky drummer. He's so damn tight. Larnell doesn't need no pocket. Larnell *is* pocket!

[@vincesoder3284]

man chris bullocks solo on binky always gives me goosebumps....!!!!

[@paqman78]

Mark's intro to Flood. Beautiful.

[@lucaszembrzuski]

No doubt this is one of the most influential music right now, really amazing.

[@calebtaulbee8594]

Im really mad at myself for not listening to things like this all my life! Im Forty and just now getting into Jazz/Funk Infusion. Snarky Puppy is stupid talented. Watching these videos and listening has really inspired me to BE BETTER - SOUND BETTER - APPRECIATE this wonderful gift God gave to humanity - MUSIC. Thats all I can say...wish i had known and appreciate it like this years ago!

[@David-iv6je]

There are precursors to this kind of music. The Dixie Dregs (5 albums). Bela Fleck and the Flecktones (I recommend the firs 3 albums with Howard Levy on Keys). The Fents are a guitar and keys driven group, where the keyboardist went on to join Miles Davis. Bill Bruford's Earthworks, especially the first album. That'll get you going... :)

[@AnthonyJones-xk8ue]

It amazes me how everytime Mark does an intro for 'Flood' he plays something different but no matter what its always super tasteful and killer.

[@noamberger651]

Every time listening to Larnell plays feels like I'm flying with him

[@leprechaunsrninja]

Ive had this specific recording of Binky stuck in my head for well over a week now. The 12/8 bass vs the 6/4 meldoy is absolutely mind blowing.

[@MrFunky159]

19:25 that lovely Hendrix quote from The Wind Cries Mary

[@rezkaaufar]

the transition at 12:45 gave me chill. FREAKING AWESOME!

[@SteveEshleman]

As a former UNT grad, we have so many musician alumni. But this group ranks at the very top of who makes me most proud.

[@carlrollins4279]

Larnell's timing and tempo is PERFECT!!!!!!!! 👌🏿🙌🏿 #Sheesh

[@Eldon_is_The_Best]

9:24 I've never seen that slide thing on the cymbal before. That's cool!

[@paulaclarke-hill1157]

I've stumbled upon this band a couple years back and I'm happy for the stumble because they are just great. I just enjoy listening to all those instruments just blend well together.

[@andrewcarroll9615]

I am supposed to get some sleep, but shouldn’t I listen to this for the 30,451st time? Yes. Music first, then sleep.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Music before sleep any day of the week

[@tizzdizz]

This music makes me want to hug everything.

[@b0geman117]

nates reaction to larnell at 25:40 is gold

[@robhammond7118]

That flugelhorn solo at 6:40 is pure smoke!

[@johnunderwood3132]

I can’t believe that I missed this band. How the hell did that happen? I’ve been listening for a week now. I can’t stop. Love it

[@goodproduccions]

i should be studying...

[@ulusot]

Then do it!

[@metallsnubben]

Same here goddamnit!

[@abstractbrainscans]

yes true, but this is fuelling me through aviation law!

[@JeremiahFernandez]

no you shouldn't

[@setshabamashigo3629]

Horatio Alloway Going for your CPL?

[@beathermit3876]

1st time I've ever hear / seen a trumpet through a overdrive pedal - Props

[@AllHandlesTaken91]

This might be my most rewatched video man. This session was truly legendary

[@doogdoogdoogdoogdoogdoog]

6 minutes into jazz fusion and chill and he gives you this face: 6:07

[@yaw7965]

Andy 'Doog' Phipps this comment wins!!

[@ZephyrCrypto]

Used for a MEME -Perfect

[@shoutrite91]

LOL!!!

[@dariuscottingham1116]

Hilarious!!!

[@aureliomoreira3860]

Thomas Muller is a great bassist !

[@yhwach3566]

the groove in flood, the best groove i've ever listened to.

[@lucasmachadodossantos3147]

Amazing performance! Waiting for Snarky Puppy in São Paulo next month. 14:20 Quote of Opus Pocus by Jaco Pastorius.

[@wilsinhobatera]

+Lucas Machado dos Santos Contando os dias pro show deles em sampa!!!!!

[@lucasmachadodossantos3147]

+Wilson Lemos Também estou ansioso para o show deles, vai ser muito bom com certeza!

[@AlbertoArgentiero]

+Lucas Machado dos Santos I was looking for someone who get the quote like me! These guys are amazing!

[@lccb007]

+Lucas Machado dos Santos eles vem pro Rio também ou só SP? bom show

[@lucasmachadodossantos3147]

Kymopio Eles também vão tocar no Rio, acho que vai ser no dia 13 de Novembro.

[@stevenbeechey]

Tenor solo on Binky killed me

[@MyersMusicUK]

Thomas Müller spanking the plank

[@staceybilodeau1504]

😆

[@julioagueros]

+Ben Myers bahahahahahaha

[@MrSookazz]

+Ben Myers I knew he reminded me of someone lol.

[@andymoor-8694]

+Ben Myers is 50% Muller 50% Lucas Alario from river plate (arg )

[@villehalkosalmi9991]

And Lewis (drums) looks like heskey lol

[@vzegna]

Ocus Pocus bassline at 14:20! Sick!

[@asafelisboa4616]

I tought that nobody else had realized it

[@desrosimon]

25:40 When the bong hit kicks in

[@fluidjazz]

I'm so glad there are innovators, creatives who aren't afraid of challenging the perceived 'safe' pop world with burning tunes like this! Totally blown away! Long may they continue and be recognized for their talent!!

[@boibblunt3152]

26:44 gatdamn that Larnell's kick

[@Beatboarder66]

26:18 that single pedal food work of Larnell...

[@bkirk2321]

7:58, 7:59.... wait for it... 8:00!!!!!!

[@hachewie]

Blown away. So much awesome. That groove at 27:00. WOW!

[@maxicamposs]

24:24 this made me so happy dude

[@ianmitchell5169]

Hot damn, but the groove at 12:44 might as well be Mariana's ever-loving Trench it's so deep

[@mortenhansen3455]

Do you happen to know the title of the track? I have to listen to the original recording. It's so funk, so hip hop and jazz and.. and! ALL of it hehehe. I hope you can send me the answer. Of not, peace! If you do, peace as well!

[@georgerussell2947]

@@mortenhansen3455 the track is called Binky

[@sethwhite3424]

@@mortenhansen3455 They've gone into a jam over Jaco's "Opus Pocus" at that point

[@jonn443]

Sput is an amazing drummer, but they bring in Larnell when things are going to get to another level. He just brings a different level of filling in the holes with incredibly difficult well placed fills. We Like It Here is a perfect example of this... He made that record what it IS. His style of drumming is what made Lingus ,Outlier, Jambone, and What About Me even more jaw dropping then it was with Corey, Mark, and Bob, and Chris's Solos. I think Larnell was the overall hero of that record.

[@Dell51856]

This music is a dream that never ends. It's the kind of dream that brings everything together. Snarky Puppy, a Perfect Union...

[@DJEthanStone]

My snarky puppy t-shirt is old and filled with holes. Wearing it is a reminder of the impact this band had on me when I first saw them. "It's just the love. when you love something you go as far as you can just to see it through." YES

[@arnebey]

The height of technical mastery, huge vocabulary, rhythmic virtuosity...beautiful melodic themes, unbelievable deep grooves....League says, "we each our hold ourselves to a standard"...I get it .....this is where this group's shared musical curiosity meets a kind of "perfectionism" that blossoms into something incredibly beautiful and even other-worldly....well that's if it doesn't kill you first. Does anyone out there understand what it takes to get to the level these guys are on? You like this? Check out Nolatet or Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey. I'm a musician and I can really appreciate how incredibly advanced these dudes are in all ways. Notice not much sheet music? What presence of mind, heart and concentration moving at that fast clip with so many changes? Jeeze. Snarky's only limit, is the limit of their individual feelings and collective consciousness. I truly hope the guys stay together and keep evolving. I'm a new total new fan.

[@nyajvlogs]

ok ok ok larnell has to chill out really 9:26 just when i thought he only did it on the hi hats smh this man here

[@j.ciloafasho]

Yeah man, that got me too. The sound on that was clean and sharp. Had to rewind it a few times.

[@foxsotired3038]

They are just so enjoyable to watch. It's ridiculous how fun and relaxed they seem.

[@georgesheffield1580]

Still blowing everything away 19 years later and not slowing down .

[@anthonywilliams1833]

Man, that solo on flood by Justin Stanton!!

[@Tranchkol]

+Anthony Williams At 24:27 the climax... with Cory on organ behind :'( :'( :'(

[@Tanzbaer777]

Great video and impressive performances...again.

[@omrijoker]

Larnell's solo was so captivating for me. it was as if i poured out my heart to him a day earlier and this was his answer, thanks for the ride larnell

[@kellynkarr]

man. I can't get enough of these guys. Thank you to everyone who helped put this production together!