Band Profile: Philly B Eats

It was a typical beginning for an atypical band. Chris Taillie, a junior history major, needed a place to jam and an audience.

"We tried out an open-mic at Broadway Joe's and things progressed from there, not unlike other new bands out there trying to establish themselves," said Taillie, keyboardist for jazz-funk fusion band, Philly B Eats.

Along with fellow UB students Adam Minkoff on bass and Phil Boucher (both sophomore undecided majors) on drums, the musically talented act has worked to become a local fixture. Dedicated to their work, Minkoff and Boucher will be transferring to the Berklee College of Music in the fall.

Since their arrival last October, the three UB undergraduates have steadily made headway and built a name for themselves in the community. Each night out, Philly B Eats attracts both a slew of loyal supporters and an ever-increasing number of newcomers who have caught the buzz over the last few months.

Combining elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop - both the traditional and avant garde forms thereof - the trio produces an eclectic mixture somewhat reminiscent of Medeski Martin & Wood and Soulive. But Philly B Eats is completely capable of propelling into its own, individual direction.

"We thrive on re-arranging jazz and soul standards, twisting them with our own influences and style," Taillie said. "Improvisation is central to our style and sound; we rely on each other to form spontaneous musical ideas."

"Our original music has been relatively slow in development, although it has become much more focused recently," he said. "From our vantage point, we are more than pleased since the ball has started rolling, playing around Buffalo and getting our name out, as well as playing with other local talent, including Everyday People, Sweatin' Like Nixon, DJ Anubus and brainstem."

Part of their talent lies in their balance of emotion. Taillie is a tremendous, young musician, whose flow and range on the keys are breathtaking. Minkoff on bass consistently tears up the slaps, and always holds it down with fellow rhythm section and future Berklee mate, Boucher.

Although the jazz/funk fusion scene in Buffalo is constantly increasing in size, Philly B Eats is sneaking right in, making their own spot and slowly - but surely - developing their sound in the Buffalo area before taking it on the road.

"We have since played at the Showplace Theatre, numerous gigs at Broadway Joe's, Stimulance, various places on campus and at house parties in the UB community," said Taillie.

Taillie also credits their rise to Dank Funk, the UB turntablist team that has assisted the band with their performances.

"The Dank Funk productions crew has been an instrumental part of that as they have been very encouraging and know how to effectively promote and entertain," said Taillie. "From my perspective the Dank Funk shows have been very successful so far and I only see them growing in size and talent in the future."

Although Minkoff and Boucher are leaving next semester, the group is by no means finished. As the group's members progressively mold their sound and make it their own, there's no telling what will come of them.

On March 27, Philly B Eats will return to the Quincy St. Pub with Everyday People and TPR. April 2 the band will play at Nietzsche's with DJ Anubus, followed by another gig at Broadway Joe's with the Dank Funk crew on April 4.