Defunkt

Defunkt are one of those never-quite-caught-on, tragically flawed bands who have nonetheless garnered a group of loyal followers. Led by Joseph Bowie -- brother of famed trumpeter Lester -- the group explored a pioneering combination of Funk rhythms, punchy horns, rock guitars and a penchant for jazzy improvisation way before others decided to do this. The problem, as with many bands from the 1980s, came from the high potential for cheese -- half of the songs they put on album were stinkers. The level of musicianship was always excellent, with slap/pop bass from Melvin Gibbs holding the bottom end for the horn and guitar solos. A range of excellent musicians played on the albums, including guitarists Sonny Sharrock, Bill Bickford and Vernon Reid (later of Living Colour). Surprisingly, after a recent reunion Defunkt have kept their quality level high, showing their immense potential on live recordings.