Breath of soulful fresh airs

Michael (left), Pete, David, Fraser and Dan, of Soul Funkin' What!

Local band Soul Funkin' What! have been together for only three months but are already getting their noteworthy name out there.

The up-and-coming covers band will play at the Common Room in Hastings this month.

Band member Michael Stodart said he had been sitting on the band name for a while but was waiting for the right collective of musicians.

"I thought it was a great play on words, it always appealed to me."

He formed the band about three months ago and they are already making waves on the music scene.

All five band members are Bay locals and have a wealth of international experience.

They are: Dave Burch, drums; Dan Fearn, bass/vocals; Mr Stodart, keyboard/vocals; Fraser MacKenzie, lead guitar and Pete Matthews guitar/vocals.

Mr Stodart said they have received some great feedback and were invited to play at Crab Farm Winery at new year.

"We have been complimented for our tight sound and smooth vocals."

He said the band's unique factor was that they played covers people want to hear and miss the "obvious ones".

"There are hundreds of cover bands out there who play the likes of April Sun in Cuba," he said.

"We thought hang on a minute, there are thousands of songs out there!"

"That's why we get such a great response. These are songs people know but may not have heard for a while."

He said they also steer clear of classic rock in favour of the funky soul genre.

Napier woman Alice Munro attended the band's gig at Ash Ridge Winery in January during the Bridge Pa wine festival.

"They were awesome, I was very impressed."

She said the band had fantastic musicianship.

"They had incredible voices and really got the crowd dancing."

Audiences will enjoy covers from the likes of Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder and the Doobie Brothers.

Sole Funkin' What!

* 8pm, this Friday, Common Room, Hastings.