Nasty phunk in the Commons

(this piece was published by Planet JH Weekly)Drawing on mastery of all of the tools that make funk music what it is, Dumpstaphunk is a self-assured, borderline supergroup that is at least supercharged. The term supergroup has worn to dilution when considering some past projects, though Dumpstaphunk does not fall into the disappointing side of putting a batch of seasoned players together.The musically pedigreed quintet includes Ivan and Ian Neville, the sons of Aaron and Art Neville respectively. Ivan has performed with a slew of stars including Rufus and Keith Richards, while Ian cut his teeth in the Neville Brothers Band. D-phunk drummer/vocalist Nikki Glaspie backed Beyonce in the early years, while the double-bass player attack (yes, two basses!) of Tony Hall and Nick Daniels III bring plenty of soul while adding plenty of junk to the trunk. The bottom line is this: the idea of a heavy, pulsing Dumpsta comes through loud and clear in the beats and grooves—realized from generations of the Neville spirit.For the 2013 album Dirty Word, the spontaneous live band was joined by studio guests Trombone Shorty, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ani Difranco, and Art Neville, among others. The outcome was a modern edge to the vintage funk of Sly & the Family Stone and Parliament Funkadelic, a style that has spread its wings beyond New Orleans while incorporating its undercurrents—gospel, blues, second-line and straight up rock.“We just hope to spread the good word through funk,” said Glaspie. “If we can create an escape, give people a reason to get down and forget their problems, then we’re doing what we set out to do.” Concert on the Commons with Dumpstaphunk and Black Mother Jones (featured below), 5 p.m. Sunday outside in Teton Village Commons. Free, all-ages. JacksonHole.com.