About The Band

     Characterized by very driven groove-oriented music, Duchess Of Funk gives new meaning to the term "bass in your face"!! Female bassist, Alana Orr (played with Grammy Winner Van Hunt, George Clinton & 420 Funk Mob), brings her original compositions to the stage as she joins forces with keyboard player, Michael Schirmer (played with Ani DeFranco, Sara Lee, Mercury Rev) and 'Fugue' drummer Michael Bernier (currently of STICKMEN with Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson) for an all-out explosive performance that laces ambient dance-jazz with pop, funk & fusion. Other members of the band may include Ted Orr (P-Funk, 420 Funk Mob, Futu Futu) on MIDI/guitar, Pete Buettner (Mambo KiKongo, Futu Futu, InPravda) on sax & flute, David CasT (Dave Matthews Band, George Clinton, John Zorn) on saxophones and Liana Turner (Sweetback, Thrive, Floating Lotus Tribe) on vocals.

    Although funk has influenced her musical style, when writing and composing, Alana does not limit herself to this genre alone. While focusing on live performance she sets her sights on integrating many different genres into a cohesive sound that showcases a special collective of versatile musicians, while still maintaining accessibility to the average listener. 

    Alana's original compositions, along with occasional covers and rhythmic improvisational grooves decorate the live set. Every member of the band contributes something expressively unique, treating music as a true art form. As the band works their magic, they give the crowd a performance worth remembering!

     Members of this band have world tour and network television experience, playing for audiences in the thousands. TV credits include The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien and many more.

Pictures

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Audio

 "Illumination" written by Alana Orr

Interview

• Alana Orr - PlanetSoul.com