In those odd moments when you’re craving funk, I mean, the lost art of funk seventies style, with the rhythm and beat that make you want to groove, MonkeyJunk can fill that prescription. The Ottawa, Canada-based trio of Steve Marriner, Tony D and Matt Sobb are called blues rockers, but their latest release, All Frequencies, really targets the underserved – and perhaps underpopulated - funk market.  Whatever it is called, All Frequencies is a lot of fun to listen to.
The trio that formed MonkeyJunk are relative newcomers to the international blues scene, but they were quickly recognized with the 2010 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist Debut for their first release, Tiger In Your Tank, beating out some formidible talent including Joanne Shaw Taylor. Their second album, To Behold, won the Juno Award (Canadian Grammy) for Blues Album of the Year.
All Frequencies builds on that promising start. MonkeyJunk’s first two albums mined roots similar to JJ Grey & Mofro, incorporating various swamp and funk influences into its music (check out “Let Her Down” off To Behold for some original soulful blues).  But All Frequencies is arguably the band’s funkiest offering yet.  “You Make a Mess” sets the R&B tone, which mostly holds throughout the album. All the songs are originals except for Bobby Charles’ “Why Are People Like That?” “Je Nah Say Kwah” is straight out of the seventies. “Once Had Wings” breaks the pattern somewhat, with a more subdued classic rock-styled ballad but by the time we reach the final cut, the organ-based instrumental jam “Swank,” it is clear MonkeyJunk has produced a funky, fun, and festive release.
About the author: Bill Wilcox is a roots music enthusiast recently relocated from the Washington, DC area to Philadelphia, PA and back again.