Turkuaz was an American funk band based in Brooklyn, New York.[1]
Turkuaz | |
|---|---|
 Turkuaz performing in 2017. | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Brooklyn, New York |
| Genres | Funk, Jam band |
| Years active | 2008–2022 |
| Labels | Galaxy Smith, Electric Habitat |
History
editTurkuaz originally formed out of Boston's Berklee College of Music scene in 2008, releasing the Dollar Store demo album while many of its members were still attending Berklee.[2] After relocating to New York City, they released their self-titled debut album in 2011.[3] Within the same year, they also released their sophomore album, Zerbert. Their third studio album, Digitonium, a concept album composed to synchronize with Disney's The Sword in the Stone, was released in 2015.[4]
The band did three performances of the music of Paul McCartney and Wings with original band member Denny Laine in 2018.[5]
Turkuaz's fourth studio album, Life in the City, was released in 2018.[6]
In 2020, Turkuaz released their first live concert film entitled None's a Ton, along with an audio soundtrack.[7]
After collaborating with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads in the studio, Turkuaz was asked to participate in a 40th anniversary tour celebrating Remain in Light with Harrison and Talking Head's session guitarist Adrian Belew.[8] The tour had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was originally set to resume in 2021.[9][10]
On November 2, 2021, seven band members announced via social media that they were leaving the band to focus on other projects.[11] Over the next year, all former band members became involved in several different projects. In March 2022, Ghost Light announced former Turkuaz bassist Taylor Shell would be joining their band.[12] In July 2022, the seven members that left Turkuaz formed a new band, Cool Cool Cool. They played their first show at the Brooklyn Bowl on September 17, 2022.[13] In September 2022, Turkuaz released two final studio albums, Paradiso and Apollyon. The albums were recorded prior to the band's dissolution, with founding members Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell deciding to release the albums after the departure of the rest of the band.[14]
In November 2022, Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew announced a North American tour celebrating the Talking Heads album Remain in Light, with the members of Cool Cool Cool comprising most of the band, as well as being the supporting act.[15]
In December 2022, Dave Brandwein released his debut solo album, Sleeping Sun, Waking Moon, under the pseudonym Band For Sale.[16]
Members
editTurkuaz went through several lineup changes, with Dave Brandwein and Taylor Shell being the only members consistently in the band from 2008 to 2022. The band remained with a consistent studio and touring lineup from 2014 through 2021, with members Dave Brandwein, Taylor Shell, Sammi Garrett, Shira Elias, Craig Brodhead, Josh Schwartz, Greg Sanderson, Chris Brouwers, and Michelangelo Carubba.
Former members
- Dave Brandwein – vocals, guitar (2008-2021)
- Taylor Shell - bass guitar (2008-2021)
- Mike Haziza - guitar (2008-2011)
- Craig Brodhead - guitar, keyboards (2011-2021)
- Josh Schwartz - tenor sax (2011-2021)
- Greg Sanderson - alto sax (2011-2021)
- Chris Brouwers - trumpet (2011-2021)
- Michelangelo Carubba - drums, percussion (2011-2021)
- Geneva Williams - vocals, percussion (2011-2014)
- Chris St. Hilaire - organ (2011-2012)
- Nicky Egan - vocals (2011-2012)
- Sammi Garett - vocals, percussion (2012-2021)
- Shira Elias - vocals, percussion (2014-2021)
Discography
editAlbums
- 2011: Turkuaz
- 2011: Zerbert
- 2013: Covers Vol. 1
- 2014: Future 86
- 2015: Digitonium
- 2018: Life in the City
- 2020: Covers Vol. 2
- 2022: Paradiso
- 2022: Apollyon
Singles & EPs
- 2008: Dollar Store (EP)
- 2015: Stereochrome (EP)
- 2016: "The Rules"/"On the Border" (7” Split EP with The New Mastersounds)
- 2017: "On the Run" (Single)
- 2019: Afterlife Vol. 1 (EP)
- 2019: Afterlife Vol. 2 (EP)
- 2019: Kuadrochrome (EP)
- 2020: "Ophidiophobia" (Single)
- 2021: "Shakin' in my Sheets" (Single)
- 2022: "Strange People (Strange Times)"/"Feel No Pain" (Single)
- 2022: "Knock, Knock"/"Take a Little Look Around" (Single)
Live Releases
- 2012: Live at Southpaw 6.1.10
- 2013: A Live Affair
- 2017: 040717
- 2019: Turkuaz Live at Sugarshack Sessions - EP
- 2020: None’s a Ton: A Turkuaz Live Concert Film Soundtrack
References
edit- ^ "Turkuaz". The New Yorker. Retrieved 2020-08-24.
- ^ Edwards, Margot. "Heavy Rotation Celebrates New CD". Berklee College of Music. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ "Spotlight: Turkuaz". Relix Media. 2015-12-11. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ Sandy, Eric. "Funk Orchestra: Brooklyn's Nine-Piece Turkuaz Will Get You Dancing with their Latest Album". Cleveland Scene. Retrieved 2020-08-24.
- ^ "Turkuaz Announces Paul McCartney & Wings Tribute In New Orleans". JamBase. Retrieved 2020-09-19.
- ^ Middleton, Ryan (12 August 2019). "Premiere: Turkuaz Announce New Album, Share Title Track "Life In The City"". Magnetic Magazine. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ "None's A Ton: Dani & Dave Brandwein On Turkuaz's First Concert Film, "Tying A Bow" On This Era Of The Band [Interview]". L4LM. 2019-09-05. Retrieved 2020-09-12.
- ^ "Brooklyn Funk Band Turkuaz Plays Covington Ahead of Talking Heads Tribute Dates with Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew". CityBeat Cincinnati. Retrieved 2020-08-24.
- ^ Greene, Andy (2020-01-13). "Talking Heads Guitarist Jerry Harrison on His 2020 'Remain in Light' Anniversary Tour". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2020-08-15.
- ^ Sherman, Jessica (12 August 2020). "Turkuaz share videos of Beatles "Rain," "Here Comes the Sun" and more – NYS Music". Retrieved 2020-09-17.
- ^ "Seven Turkuaz Members Announce Departure From Band". Live For Live Music. L4LM. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ Amador, Raul (19 December 2022). "Interview With Bassist Taylor Shell". Bass Music Magazine. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ D'Auria, Jon (11 July 2022). "Brooklyn Comes Alive Returns With Medeski Martin & Wood, STS9, Lettuce & Cool Cool Cool". Bass Magazine. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ Bernstein, Scott. "Turkuaz Releases Final Albums 'Paradiso' & 'Apollyon'". JamBase. JamBase Inc. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ Potter, Jordan (2 November 2022). "Talking Heads' Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew announce 2023 tour dates". Far Out Magazine. Retrieved 14 February 2023.
- ^ Santella, Jillian. "Band For Sale releases new single, "Is There Anybody?" ahead of debut album, Sleeping Sun, Waking Moon". Grateful Web. One In A Million Media. Retrieved 14 February 2023.