The Big Unkle Fuzion Project
CONTACT

SEEKING

Vocalist, Rhythm Guitar, Saxophone, Keyboard, Harmonica.

ABOUT

TBU was established over 10 years ago. Performing from configurations such as small as a jazz or power trio to a large 10-13pc ensemble (with horns, etc.), the band. like the music has evolved and transformed over time.
Band founder and bassist, John Henderson is currently working on what will be a long awaited follow-up album to the band's original album, Evolution (released on Toil Records, 2015)

Currently looking for collaborative creative partners with the following skill sets:
Keyboard and digital composition (gospell, funk and jazz background preferred.)
Guitar (lead, rhythm preferred soul and funk preferred)
Saxophone Player
Drums: must have real soul, funk and jazz background.
Percussion: must have real soul and funk backgrond.

Looking to collaborate to finish original pieces. Next steps TBD.
Working, established, original jazz fusion band is looking for mature, experienced players to round out our unit while bringing their own unique style to our established sound . This is a very focused band with multiple monthly bookings at well-established venues throughout the region. We also have a regular calendar of private bookings, a series of non-profit, corporate affairs and several annual events where we have been featured for almost ten years in some cases. Our sound is largely influenced by modern and vintage jazz, fusion, funk and hard rock, but we accept no “one” category or comparison. Your varied and eclectic experiences, backgrounds and styles very welcomed. Experienced and skilled adults only.
If you are interested, please respond by sending links to your work (videos are best) or an EPK (if you have one.) to TheBigUnkle. Auditions will be scheduled immediately. We hope to make selections before the holidays.
Visit: .TheBigUnkle for complete information about the band.
Thank you.

Screen name:
The Big Unkle Fuzion Project
Member since:
Nov 03 2005
Active within 24 hours
Level of commitment:
Very Committed
Years playing music:
35
Gigs played:
Over 100
Tend to practice:
More than 3 times per week
Available to gig:
1 night a week

Influences

Influences only matter if you know how to reflect them in your language on your terms. TBU speaks many languages: Everybody from: Jimi Hendrix, Stanley Clarke, Kings X, The Police, Rush, Jaco, Marcus Miller, Les Claypool, Gerald Veasley, Victor Wooten, M'Shell N'dgecello, Steve Swallow, Graham Central Station, Brothers Johnson, EWF, Morcheeba, Afro Celt Sound System, Mandrill, Parliament, Alana Davis, Siouxie and the Banchees, Radio Iodine, Grace Jones, Count Basie, to The Other Element and even local Philly bands--to name a few.

UNKLOGRAPHY:
As a sideman in the 80s and 90s, TBU founder and bass player, John Henderson has provided bottom end for acts like: alt rock group, The Intrepid Beat, The John Garbo Blues Trio, King Crab Blues Band, rock/fusion power trio, The Other Element and hip-hop group, The "Two-Hand Posse". Doubling as an Adjunct Professor of business at a major Philadelphia-based university, Henderson also teached music for schools and non-profit organizations throughout the region.

Instrument experience:

Bass Guitar:
Advanced
Other Percussion:
Moderate

EQUIPMENT

John Henderson uses: Fender, Kawai, Yamaha and Ibanez bass guitars, DR strings and prefers Gallien-Krueger, Fender or Hartke amplification systems, SansAmp pre-amp units and Boss pedals...all coming to you live through Hartke speakers.
We also have our own PA system

Equipment preferences for other TBU band members can be found at www.BigUnkle.com

MUSIC

CALENDAR

Past Events

The Big Unkle's Home For The Holidays Ho-Ho-Holiday Funky Show-in-the-Snow Down at Peppers inKing of Prussia.

Join us for our standing house show at Peppers Italian Restaurant located at 239 Town Centre Road, King of Prussia, PA. We take the stage with our first set at 9:00pm and wrap at 1:00am. We always try to bring something different to our Peppers shows--so you'll never know what kind of surprises may be abound.

Good food, cold beer, strong drinks, great people and excellent prices. Peppers even serves The Big Unkle's signature drink, The Toxic-Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail. Ask for it and us by name.

Happy Funksgiving, Muthas! What else is there to do after Thanksgiving and before the holiday shopping madness sinks its hooks into you?? Come get your funken holiday season started.

Join us for our standing house show at Peppers Italian Restaurant located at 239 Town Centre Road, King of Prussia, PA. We take the stage with our first set at 9:00pm and wrap at 1:00am. We always try to bring something different to our Peppers shows--so you'll never know what kind of surprises may be abound.

Good food, cold beer, strong drinks, great people and excellent prices. Peppers even serves The Big Unkle's signature drink, The Toxic-Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail. Ask for it and us by name.

Join us for our standing house show at Peppers Italian Restaurant located at 239 Town Centre Road, King of Prussia, PA. We take the stage with our first set at 9:00pm and wrap at 1:00am. We always try to bring something different to our Peppers shows--so you'll never know what kind of surprises may be abound.

Good food, cold beer, strong drinks, great people and excellent prices. Peppers even serves The Big Unkle's signature drink, The Toxic-Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail. Ask for it and us by name.

The Big Unkle is honored to partner with the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (Monto Chapter) Annual Banquet for the third consecutive year. The Montco Sports Hall of Fame is nonprofit organization founded to perpetuate the memory of athletes, male or female, who have brought lasting fame to Montgomery County and/or the State of Pennsylvania through their athletic achievements. These individuals need to have been raised, worked or performed in Montgomery County in order to be considered for induction into the Montco Chapter Hall of Fame.

The banquet includes a cocktail reception followed by dinner and the award ceremony. TBU will on site with a jazz-fusion trio to help to create just the mood and atmosphere befitting of this stately event. Program starts at 6:00pm sharp. Friday, September 26, 2014


You can still purchase tickets, ads for sponsorships for the event. Visit: http://www.montcosportshof.org/ for more info.

The Big Unkle is proud to for the forth time take the stage for the world famous ING Rock and Roll Marathon (Philadelphia). TBU will bring out some of the finest players in the Delaware Valley to mix it up with some rock n' roll, soul and R&B and their homegrown original funk-fuzion. The City is expecting over 100,000 spectators and participants to be in attendance for this--- the marathon that has truly redefined the runner's world. Be there, The race starts at 8:00am. And we'll be there first thing! The starting line is at the Philadelphia Art Museum. TBU's exact location will be announced on a date closer to the event.

The Big Unkle is proud take the stage once again for the 23rd Annual Eagle National Bank 5K Walk/Run to Fight Cancer. Saturday, September 20, 2014. Race time is 9:00am and TBU will be there first thing to entertain the crowd and motivate the runners/walkers on the course. Spectators and participants can also take advantage of the free community health fair that will feature those local programs, products and services that are available for the entire family.

The Walk/Run is a five kilometer certified course through the beautiful neighborhood of Drexel Park located at 501 Landsdowne Avenue, Proceeds from the race benefit the Delaware County Regional Cancer Center, , Fox Chase Crozer-Keystone Cancer Partnership.

TBU gives back! Do your part. Join us and Walk the Walk! To register or for more info, visit www.EagleNational.com

Join TBU for three full sets at Peppers in King of Prussia. New material and a whole new sound. Peppers at 239 Town Center Road in King of Prussia, Pa. (in the Valley Forge Shopping Center.) No admission and free parking.

Through a unique partnership with the Greater Norristown PAL Center, Einstein Medical Center-Montgomery--The Big Unkle Funk-Fusion Band hosts an unscripted "Open Rehearsal" during the Martin Luther King Day of Service activities at the Greater Norristown Police Athletic League (PAL) Center to give back to those who are giving back to the community.

Help clean-up PAL, or bring a canned-good...do what chu' gotta do but join TBU as they prep for their winter studio dates and their Feb. 9th show at Peppers in K of P.

TBU at one of our favorite places to play. Peppers in King of Prussia, where we stand at least once per month--bring funk-fusion to our own back yards. Ella D. joins us for a blues set, as we reconnect to the Kings and Queens of Prussia.

One of our regular stops at The Attic. Three full sets of original and cover fusion, blues and jazz. This show features our new saxophone player, Nate Sheffer and vocalist, Ella D. Showtime 9:00pm $5.00 cover charge.

Make it up to The Attic. A true "destination location" and a best kept secret only minutes away from Philly and the Philly burbs. This is truly one of our favorite rooms---The Attic Lounge at Harry's located at 2949 E. Lincoln Highway in Sadsburyville PA (right outside of Coatesville) $5.00 cover charge!

TBU's first appearance in 2012! And we wouldn't want to be anywhere else but in our own backyard. Peppers in at 239 Town Center Road in King of Prussia, Pa. (in the Valley Forge Shopping Center.

Three full sets of The Big Unkle's original jazz/funk fusion at Peppers on Saturday, Dec. 17th Showtime: 9:00pm No cover, free parking, all ages.

Come see TBU in one of our favorite rooms---The Attic Lounge at Harry's located at 2949 E. Lincoln Highway in Sadsburyville PA (right outside of Coatesville) $5.00 cover charge!

TBU part of the friend/fund raiser Friday, November 18th at the Philadelphia Center for Arts and Technology. $20.00 donation suggested. Event begins at 6:00pm

See The Big Unkle Big Band at Peppers in King of Prussia. Showtime: 9:00pm. All ages, no cover, free parking, great food and affordable drinks.

The Big Unkle returns to The Attic in Sadsburyville, Saturday, November 5th. Showtime: 9:00pm. $5.00 cover. A full three sets of jazz/funk fusion.

TBU at The Attic at 2949 Lincoln Hwy in Sadsburryville, PA Showtime: 9:00pm to 1:00am

Norristown's Music in the park summer series host The Big Unkle on Sunday June 12th for a full night of jazz-funk fuzion under the lights and under the stars. Rated one of the best summer concert series in the western Philly suburbs----the historic Elmwood Park Bandshell creates the best acoustical and cultural experiences in the area. No admission. An all ages event. Don't miss it!

See TBU at the Sam's Club (Exton) Community Event and CHOP/CMN Fundraiser. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Free to the community.

TBU funks for the whole night at Peppers at 239 Towne Center Road in King of Prussia. Showtime: 9:00pm to 1:00am.

TBU takes on The Rusty Nail at 2580 Haverford Avenue, Ardmore, PA on Friday, May 6th. Showtime: 9:00pm sharp. Special guests include:Afro-rock R&B, artists, The Rosemary Fiki Band, eclectic rockers, Sez Hu and ambient fusionists, Whatever. $5.00 cover at the door.

TBU is proud to be back at The Attic (at Harry's) in beautiful Sadsburyville, PA. Another three-set Saturday night where the grooves kick off at 9PM. No cover. More details to follow.

Saturday night---Three full sets of Jazz-funk fuzion beginning at 9:30pm. No cover, free parking.

Come see TBU for a full three sets at Peppers in King of Prussia..located at 239 Town Center Road within the Valley Forge Shopping Center. Showtime 9:30pm. No cover.

TBU pulls of an action packed Friday night set as opener for the David Graul Fusion Project at the famous Dawson Street Pub at 100 Dawson Street in Philly's trendy Manyunk section. Cover TBD.

Come see The Big Unkle at Peppers Italian Restarant at 239 Town Center Road in King of Prussia on Saturday, January 8th. Three full sets that begin at 9:30pm. No cover. Free parking.

TBU private party

TBU takes on the night at one of the coolest venues in the area---The Attic at Harry's at 2949 Lincoln Hwy. in historic Sadsburyville, PA. The Attic is known for great food, great people and good times---with a differnt exciting event happening nearly every night of the week--there is always something happening there to meet everyone's taste--in more ways then one. TBU is proud to be on the calendar. Come see why! Showtime and more details forthcoming.

Join us at The Reef with special guest Arcadia Jazz Band on Wed. November 3rd. Admission $10.00 includes free Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion cocktail. Reef validated parking only $3.00 at the E-Z Park parking lot at 3rd and South.

Get ready for some Thrills and Chills, when The Big Unkle Plays Peppers this Saturday night!

TBU hosts Fuzion First Wenzdayz with special guests, fuzion band, Whatever. Welcome back to bassist, Hondo.

Philly welcomes the ING Rock and Roll Half Marathon and plays hosts to over 20,000 competitors, family members and marathon fans on Sunday, September 19th. The Big Unkle is proud to perform as a featured band--strategically place to cheer on the runners and con"fuze" the crowd with our own brand of jazz/funk fuzion. More details to follow--but tune into www.BigUnkle.com for updates and details.

Join TBU and the entire community at the Cecil B. Moore Recreation Center at 22nd and Huntington Ave. in Philadelphia. The overall program begins at 9:00am Music and community activities begin at 1:30pm. Free event full of food, fun and festival for the entire family.

TBU with special guest, SezHu plays at The Hard Rock Cafe at 11th and Market Streets in the heart of Center City Philadelphia as part of the City of Hope charity benefit. Come on out and make a change!

TBU pulls off a set or two and features some of the area's best fuzion musicians and bands. Admission: $10.00 includes free Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail!

Come see us light up Northeast Philadelphia as we return to Sweeney's stage in almost a year. Great stage, and great sound. Only $3.00 admission. Sweeney's at 13639 Phiimont Avenuen, Phila. Pa visit www.BigUnkle.com for more or different info.

Come join us at The Reef at 605. S. 3rd Street as TBU delivers its own brand of jazz funk fuzion in one of the best rooms in the City. By popular demand, Afro-pop and world beat silky songstrss--our very special guest Coco Sol will be our featured performer. Doors open at 8:00om. Admission of $10.00 will also get you a free Big Unkle Chocolate Cocktail--the band's signature drink. Also safe, convenient parking only $3.00 with Reef validation at the E-Z Park parking lot also at 3rd and South--only yards away from the front door.

Come see The Big Unkle and some of the most innovative original acts in the City at the Brown Bear Music and Arts Festival in Clarke Park in the University City section of the City. A complete festival with all the trimmings----an event with food, activities, and interest for the whole family. Starts at 1pmn and goes 'til sundown. Free to public.

Come see TBU at The Reef every first Wednesday of the month for a fuzion meltdown. On Wednesday, July 7th our very special guest is world beat and Afro-pop artist, Coco Sol..bringing you their special brand of buttering fuzion. Two of Philly's finest original acts, one night and one special price of only $10.00. (price includes a free Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail (Khalua, Vodka, Cream and 2 parts secret). Also, safe and convenient parking at the E-Z Park lot at 3rd and South only $3.00 with validation from The Reef. Join us--and feel yourself transcend to another level of cool!

For jazz and music lovers of all ages, The Big Unkle joins some of the area's best jazz and fuzion bands for the First Annual Summer jazz Series at the Concert Garden in Philadelphia. This is an all day event and the kick off to a landmark summer music series that the City of Brotherly Love has been asking for for a long time. Be a part of history--come check it out and show your support for original jazz music in The City! Showtime 1:00pm

See The Big Unkle at The Reef at 605 S. 3rd Street (3rd and South) as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo with you and all that South Street has to offer. Showtime: 8:00pm. Admission only $10.00 which includes a complimentary Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail. Parking only $3.00 with Reef validation. (Park America lot at the corner of 3rd and South)

Details TBD

Come see The Big Unkle at The Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant at the King of Prussia Plaza. The Rock Bottom..already known for fine micro-brews and great food--is slowly becoming one of the best rooms for great original music in the Philly Burbs. Come join us for 3 full sets of Unkle-ized funk and have a Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail while you're at it! No admission. Free parking. Easy access to public transportation. All ages.

Come help TBU kick off the first Wednesday at Philly's hottest Afro-Caribbean Lounge, The Reef. Doors open at 8pm. $10.00 cover includes a complimentary Big Unkle Chocolate Fuzion Cocktail.

TBU backs saxman, Delton Walker at the Alphabet Lounge in NYC on Saturday, April 3rd.

TBU at The Rock Bottom Brewrey at the King of Prussia Plaza. Saturday night. Show begins at 8pm. All ages.

Come Sergio featuring The Hit Squad (TBU rhythm section) at The Reef located at 605 S. 3rd Street. Doors open at 8pm.

Come see TBU at The TriTone on Philly's historic South Street.

TBU returns to their backyard for friends and fam at The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA. Sharing the bill with ecletic pop-rock sensation, SezHu and fusion trio, Whatever, it should be a great show. The Unkle will introduce new players and new music to their favorite audience! Doors open at 8pm Expect $5.00 cover charge.

Not known for its plush decor...or the Chef's finesse with the Cordon Bleu, The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA is one of the oldest venues on Philly's Main Line that has supported local artists and original music. On November 13th, The Big Unkle created a "standing room only" environment as they delivered two of the most memorable sets of innovative music that has echoed through the Philly burbs in a long time.

Well, the magic returns on Friday, January 29th, as TBU comes back to the stage with a "funkin' attitude! The date is locked, but other show details are still pending. Stay tuned.

Doors open at 8:00pm. Cover charge: $5.00

Happy New Year!! Join the New Year's Revolution and come out to see The Big Unkle at the Blinkin' Lincoln (aka Holy Smokes) at 473 Leverington Ave, (Phila.) on Saturday, January 2nd. Sharing the bill with The David Grauel Fusion Project, T.B.U. is proud to feature guest drummer, Steve Serdikoff of The Other Element for thier Roxborough/Manyunk debut. Showtime: 9pm. $5.00 cover charge.

Who do ya call? This just in: Rolling Stone calls them one of the most inventive jam bands of modern times." With over 20 albums and reg. world tours, Medeski, Martin and Wood are the torch bearers of the avant-groove; the creators of "fringe-jazz." Now on a mission with legendary Philly drummer, Calvin Weston, Billy Martin of MMW are doing a one night stand -Dec. 16th at Philly's Trocadero Theatre. Opening act? The BIG UNKLE!

Door open at 7:00pm.
Tix: $14.50 available thru TicketMaster

Come see The Big Unkle's ryhthm section a.k.a. The Hit Squad as they back up one of Philly's up and coming Spoken Word artists, Sergio at The Reef located at 605 South Street, (3rd and South Sts.)

Show time 9:00pm Cover charge: $5.00

The Hit Squad = "Quirky Tom" Theurer on drums, Dave "The Father" Namerow on percussion and John Henderson on bass.

Come see The Big Unkle, Live at The Rusty Nail on Friday, November 13th, at 9PM. The Rusty Nail--located on Philly's "main line" is "thee" hot spot for original music....a place to see and be seen! Minimal cover charge at the door. Must be 21yrs or older. For more information, call The Rusty Nail at 610.649.6245 or write to [email protected]

See Big Unkle bassist, John Henderson and drummer, "Quirky Tom" Theurer back up guitarist, John Price in the Silver Lake Trio at Philly's classic Trocadero Theathre on Tuesday, October 27th for an evening of ecletic, funkiblufuzion! Show time TBA and cover charges may apply.

Join The Big Unkle at Patou in Olde City, Philadelphia for the "What the funk are you waitin'for??!" fall tour. Show time TBA and cover charges may apply.

The Big Unkle will be appearing live, in concert with The Other Element and Sez Hu---September 3rd, 2009 at Sweeney's Saloon 13639 Philmont Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116. Doors open at 8pm. $3.00 cover.

Sweeney's features some of the best musicians in the area and is one of the hottest venues in the City for original music!! With an incredible "triple-threat" line-up like the one on September 3rd...Sweeney's once again lives up to its reputation! The only thing missing is you!

So, c'mon! Get the "FUNK" outta the house---and get an early start on your holiday weekend and make it to Sweeney's for a night of good music, good food and a time!!

Tonight is actually the night--Friday the 17th. (header pre-posted for shelf life) Come see The Big Unkle, LIVE for their first performance at Chaplin's Music Cafe--located at 66 N. Main St. Spring City, PA. (just minutes from King of Prussia)

Friday, July 17, 2009 at 9PM. The Unkle will open for rock-fusion trio, The Other Element, in this very special suburban showcase. The Big Unkle, himself will provide the low end and Marcel D. will destroy the guitars for both acts. Good food, good music and a very warm atmosphere. Other acts include: Cellar Door and Stand On Saturn. Should be a very cool show! Bring your wife, your girlfriend, your daughter and your Momma!

Tickets are $15.00 at the door! Chaplin's is an all-ages cafe. Adults BYOB! For more information and tickets email us at [email protected]

THE OTHER ELEMENT--TOGETHER AGAIN AT CHAPLIN'S MUSIC CAFE!

More than two years ago The Other Element, featuring Marcel D. on guitars, Steve S. on drums and Big Unkle on bass took jaw-dropping fans by storm as one of the fastest moving bands of Philly's rock-fusion renaissance.

In efforts to diversify their musical chemistry, the dynamic power trio took a short break to record and launch independent projects. Now for this rare performance, like a UFO in the flat fields of Spring City, PA, they have decided to land for just one night--- for a very select audience---YOU!

For more about The Other Element, visit www.myspace.com/TheOtherElement

Also, see Marcel and Steve's awesome progressive metal project, 2ndOrdeR, if you dare. Visit www.myspace.com/2ndOrder

Come see the Big Unkle on bass, Marcel D. on guitars and Steve S. on drums. Philly's number one rock-fusion trio, The Other Element (T.O.E) takes the stage Saturday, March 28th at The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA. This time the power trio will rock the mainline with instrumental rock/fusion versions of some of their favorite covers by acts like: War, The Police, Stanley Clarke, Joe Satriani, Herbie Hancock, Hendrix, Jeff Beck and Stevie Wonder to name a few.

Show starts at 9pm with a local opening act. Show date and time are subject to change, so visit www.myspace.com/theotherelement for "up-to-the-minute" details.

A LITTLE HISTORY:
Last year T.O.E. hit the scene like a bolt of lightening. After only a few rehearsals, their first show was at The Rusty Nail, a popular mainline hangout for locals and a place where area musicians air their laundry.

They were quickly dubbed the "musicians' musicians" by fans and local media. T.O.E. discovered that for Philly music fans, rock-fusion was not only back...but it is here to stay.

"Yeah, these boys were off the chain!"...noted one fan, after several drinks and a $5.00 incentive.

THEN WHAT HAPPENED?
What followed was a string of shows (almost weekly) in some of the most popular rooms in the Philly area like: Doc Watson's, The North Star Bar, Sweeney's, The Fire, The Grape St. Pub, Chaplin's and the world renown, Trocadero Theatre-to name a few.

After ten months of playing throughout Philly, in New York and Jersey, the fellas are taking a short break from the gig circuit to complete independent recording projects.

WHAT'S GOING ON NOW?
Due to popular demand, The Other Element is booking a few select shows for friends and fam in their favorite rooms, while remaining committed to their pet projects. Log onto www.
myspace.com/theotherelement for show dates and more details.

Isn't it about time we all made some solid New Year's Evolutions??"

"Tis the season to be leary." Beware of he who is healthy, wealthy and lies. But seriously, have a safe and happy holiday season and get on the list that only gets checked once!

Thanks to everyone who came out to see The Big Unkle with his womb bruthas, The Other Element at Doc Watson's in historic Center City, Philadelphia on Friday, December 12th. T.O.E. had the distinct pleasure of playing with the New Fusion Assembly (some very BAD boys!!) to an entusiastic crowd. The good times would have lasted all night, but a taxi-cab crashed into the front door of a Wendy's on the corner...redefining the meaning of..."Drive Thru Window!!!" Stay tuned for the next T.O.E. show announcement.

Gotz ta pay the bills. The Unkle will be in San Francisco from December 2 thru the 7th..checkin' out some of the local talent and then some. See ya on the turnaround!