Localized Appreesh is our weekly thank-you column to the musicians that make the Bay. To be considered, contact emilysavage@sfbg.com.
Sun Hop Fat is a local 12-piece inspired by the ecstatic late 1960s Swinging Addis period of Ethio-pop, which itself was at least partially inspired by James Brown. The modern band lays out that inspiration groundwork in each track, building off the legacy and adding its own grooves, coming off like a jazzy Ethio-pop orchestra.
Fronted by vocalist-flautist Krystal Nzoiwu and Bay Area native Daniel Silberstein, Sun Hop Fats’ silky flow, joyously booming brass, and funky rhythm section create naturally bopping underground jazz club atmospheres, and are said to inspire a live dance experience. One might assume a hindrance to on-stage movement given their sheer quantity, yet they do indeed incite the party promised.
The East Bay band brings that raucous party west this weekend for a headlining Slim’s show alongside some psychedelic soul bands traveling up the coast from Santa Cruz.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMBH8syvmwo
Year and location of origin: 2008 in the Belly of the Vulcan Lofts, Fruitvale.
Band name origin: Taken from a market near our practice space. We liked the sound and the fact that we could buy gummies and live animals there.
Band motto: Put your faith in the Red Chair of Doom.
Description of sound in 10 words or less: Mulatu Astake inspired dark jazz and soul from Ethiopia’s Swinging Addis period.
Instrumentation: Horns: Krystal Nzoiwu (flute and vocals) Dan Sarna (trumpet) Scotty Maxx (trumpet) Nicholas Gyorkos (trombone), Ryan Morgan (trombone) Jeremy Greene (tenor sax). Rhythm section: Harrison Murphy (keys), Reese Bullen (drums) Jesse Toews (bass) Theo Winston (guitar) Daniel Silberstein (Percussion and vocals).
Most recent release: The Fernet Suite on Electric Sparkyland Records.
Best part about life as a Bay Area band: Great venues, great friends, strong dancers, good drinks.
Worst part about life as a Bay Area band: Public transportation system in the East Bay. No 24/7 BART trains.
First album ever purchased: Theo, Appetite for Destruction by Guns ‘N’ Roses; Daniel: 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of… by Arrested Development.
Most recent album purchased/downloaded: Theo: Queen “A Day at the Races,” waiting for the new Dirty Projectors album; Daniel : Blue Mitchell “Booty” and Takamba.
Favorite local eatery and dish: Theo: The El Gordo taco truck on International Blvd. Al parstor tacos!; Daniel: Phnom Phen House, I have been eating BBQ chicken there since I was 10.
Sun Hop Fat
With Harry & the Hit Men, On the Spot Trio
Fri/13, 9pm, $13
Slim’s
333 11 St., SF
(415) 255-0333
www.slimspresents.com