Gurufish

Gurufish
Pop your head into any venue in Austin this week, and the band on stage is likely to fall squarely in the middle of the indie rock/Americana spectrum. So if you wan’t to break all that up with some funk, we recommend you check out Atlanta’s Gurufish. Led by Jimmy St. James, this 8-piece collective brings a jolt of electricity to the party with a glam-rock theatricality and an unending groove—just what you’ll need to reenergize during a marathon week.—Josh Jackson - PASTE Magazine

Hometown: Atlanta
Members: Jimmy St. James, Matty Haze, Steve Dixon, DeWitt Ellis, Matt West, Eugene Russell IV
Current Album:Soul Treaty
Jimmy St. James calls his band’s brand of psychedelic funk “glitter soul.” It’s an appropriate term for a band that combines the excess of glam rock and the excess of ‘70s funk into a gloriously excessive good time. Titling song titles “Get On the Funk,” Pimp St.,” “Funky Queen” and “SunshineHappyDay,” the band wears its party-band moniker proudly on its velvet sleeves. Get on with the funk.—Josh Jackson - PASTE Magazine

Entertainment

Artist of the Week — Catch of the day: Gurufish kicks jams

By Brooke Marshall
Entertainment Editor


One might expect that in the sea of crunk coming out of Atlanta, a simple pop-funk band might struggle and drown. But according to Jimmy St. James, the leading man behind Gurufish, that’s far from the case.

In fact, one might say things are going quite swimmingly.

“It’s been great,” St. James said of the local music scene in an interview with the Wheel. “There’s a very diverse audience in Atlanta, which is cool.”

On Oct. 1, the band will transform Smith’s Olde Bar into a funkadelic paradise.

The band may be carving out a name for itself, but its own name may warrant an explanation.

“We wanted [the name] to have kind of a spiritual significance,” St. James said. “‘Guru’ comes from Eastern mythology, and ‘fish’ was used even before the Christians adopted it, by the Buddhists. … Also, I liked the sound of it.”

Far more important than the catchy name is the music it stands for — glam-pop that hearkens back to the psychedelia of the ’60s and the funk and soul of the ’70s. St. James cited early Brit-pop and classic hip-hop as influences as well.

Gurufish has only been together for a few years, but its sound is as polished as that of bands that have been together for decades. The band features Jimmy St. James producing and singing, Juan Woodfork on bass, Matty Haze on guitar, Norm Thicke on both guitar and keyboards, Steve Dixon manning the drums and backup vocals by Slick. While some of the members were acquainted before they began performing in Gurufish, the group came together primarily at St. James prompting.

“I kind of pulled everybody together, just meeting people randomly,” St. James said.

The group’s sound is sexy and groovy, with a “boom chicka-wow-wow” quality complimented nicely by meandering excursions into the mind-bending sounds of the ’60s. The vocals range from vigorous soul-pop to breathy falsettos applied at different, entirely appropriate intervals.

“It’s great music,” St. James said. “It’s unique — a different offering from what’s generally out there.”

The relaxed rhythms of songs like “World Called Groove” bring the listener down from more hip-hop-influenced tracks like “Underwear” and “Falling in Love” or the undeniably funky “Soul Treaty.”

This variety may come from the fact that the band’s inspiration doesn’t come from any one particular source.

“It could be anything in life at any moment,” St. James said.

Several mature musical elements find their way into the band’s sound. On “Pimp Street,” a guitar riff is repeated to the point of becoming almost mantralike, with psychedelic elements and percussive elements complimenting it sparely. And on “Supernatural,” Gurufish finds a way to segue neatly from an imposing guitar solo to its distinctive relaxed-funk sound.

“Our music is sophisticated, but it’s also accessible,” St. James said. “The average listener can grab a hold of it, but there’s also levels of sophistication so that people of deeper levels of listening can go with it.”

The band’s live shows are reminiscent of ’70s glam rock on a smaller scale.

With extravagant outfits and energetic sets — not to mention highly danceable music — Gurufish stops at nothing to captivate any audience.

“I try to make it a show as much as something to listen to,” St. James said. “It’s got a lot of glamour to it. [Laughs.] I want to transport people to an alternate reality.


- The Emory Wheel

When I first Googled Gurufish, I was all prepared to dislike their live show. I mean, the text on their bio page pulsates in a range of rainbow colors! Their fashion choices are similarly suspect, in that they involve scarves, feather boas, and other Hendrix by way of Jack Sparrow looks.

But damn, it only took a few minutes for me to discard all of my fashion critiques to see that Gurufish is a bumpin' funk band. They may have song titles like "Soul Treaty" and "Pimp St.," but with grooves this hot I just don't care.

They opened their first set at the Hummingbird with a slow jam. This was really music to seduce by, and I wasn't expecting it. Singer/songwriter/producer/keyboard dude Jimmy St. James has a supple voice complemented by a great falsetto. Plus he pours on the charm. Sometimes it does come across as too much, but the music is so great it doesn't matter.

Even Jimmy's giant, Paris Hiltonesque shades did not detract from the funk. Funk is one of my favorite types of music to dance to, and the first page or two of my notes are filled with "these are some serious bootyshaking grooves!" and related scribbles.

But I stayed in my seat until the second set, when I decided to throw caution to the wind and get my groove on. I have to say, I really enjoy dancing and I don't do it all that often. My intentions are good: I can be in the mood to dance, but the music isn't quite right, and vice versa. DJs don't seem to be good mind readers, at least not when it comes to my taste.

So I decided the time was right, and danced my way through several songs in the second set. I got good and sweaty, enough to distract me from all of the cigarette smoke in the air. Even when I was sitting down, trying to catch my breath, I was moved to clap and/or snap along to the music.

I persuaded my tablemates to join me on the dance floor for the last couple of songs, and we boogied all the way to closing time. If that isn't the definition of a good Saturday night, then what is.


- Macon Telegraph

Definitely worth it
Reviewer: Ruby Lee "smilingcupid" (GA) - See all my reviews
At a recent concert featuring the oh-so-underrated and utterly fabulous songstress, Joi, I met the drummer of a little known band called Gurufish. I'm glad. I have since seen them in concert and I cannot STOP listening to this CD. I'm not typically one to compare artists because I respect different styles and tastes. However, I will say if you like Remy Shand, Thicke, Jamiroquai, Van Hunt-- sigh (and for the old heads/true funk soldiers: Prince, Sly Stone, etc...) I know you will love Mohair Supreme. It's a blend of funk, soul, and exciting rock that fearlessly speaks about love, life, sensuality and the things we overlook everyday. The lead vocalist, Jimmy, is so wildly intriguing to me.

My instant fave upon my first listen was "Emotion" but then there's "World Called Groove," "Nelida," "Soul Treaty"... man, I love it. If you can appreciate a new sound and artists who are into music for the sake of music, give this a chance. At the risk of sounding like a commercial, I recommend Atlanta area folks to be on the lookout for a show. It will be worth it - Amazon Reviews

GURUFISH @ The Hummingbird

With raw sexual energy and God’s own funk come Gurufish, an Atlanta based ensemble fusing pop and groove into an expression of their soul. Singer/ songwriter Jimmy St. James has created a band that moves more along the lines of a happening, with outlandish fashion, hip-swinging melody and a general disdain for sitting still. Purple-Rain-era Prince with the moves of Mick Jagger.
As much a stage presence as melody making, Gurufish obviously defies any category and (they) do it on purpose. So, imagine a whole lot of Purple Rain Funk mixed with the soul of a carnival and the melody of something like you’ve probably never experienced before. This one you cannot miss. - Brad Cox

Thursday, October 18, 2014

Atlanta City Mag: Gurufish

Organic Audio

GURUFISH

By: Derek Stephens

April 2014

Gurufish's latest release, "Mohair Supreme," is a luscious blend of sexual treats for your eardrums. From "Pimp St." to "Don't Need a Reason", this album could easily be the cause of the next baby boom here in the ATL. Each track seems to release endorphins that will definitely improve your mental health. Think Prince meets George Clinton and then both meet up with Barry White for cocktails.
"Why is everybody killing/ we should all be falling in love." Lyrics of this sort encompass this slow funk journey, and if you're looking for a truly pimped-out, laid-back album to throw in your Bose system while you throw down, then look no further. Gurufish combines funk, soul and R&B with a dash of sex sprinkled lightly throughout. From beginning to end, "Mohair Supreme," is a multi-dimensional, soulful blend tha will have you asking yourself, "where's my little black book? - Atlanta City Mag

Smooth funksters Gurufish earned their name in Atlanta as a flambouyant fur-and-makeup party act. But about the time they started developing material for their debut cd “Mohair Supreme”, something changed.
They still worship Sly Stone mind you, and singer Jimmy St. James will sing a falsetto chorus-without shame- just like the Artist Formerly known as Talented (“ I’ve always just thought that was sexy. Anything that’s got an androgenous twist to it, to me, is sexy.”)
But it’s like they realized that after all these years Fernando was wrong. It’s not better to look good than to feel good. “it’s better to feel good,” says St. James laughing. “because if you feel good, you THINK you look good.” The eight piece act comes to SOHO tonight and their outfits alone might be woth the five bucks.

Here’s more of what St. James has to say:

Of the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s what’s the most important decade for music?


I’d say the 70’s… for pop music, I think it was the Golden era of music. I think artists had more artistic freedom one. Number two, there was as much to compete with the music for the entertainment dolar, rather than an Xbox or renting a video or something. Finally, through time, music kind of gets distilled. And I think people who were coming along at that time were more schooled in sophisticated types of music. Even though they were kind of watering it down for commercial pop music., it was still coming from a more sophisticated source. And people who are writing today are basically watering down what’s already been watered down.

So what happened to funk anyway? It disappeared for like, 20 years?

I think the culture changed and the art always reflects the culture and the time… The myth of the culture, the subconscious of the culture was different. Funk music’s la party music and a celebration. I just think the energy shifted. I know that’s an amorphous way to answer. Another reason is, funk music’s usually based around big acts, and as the music industry became more and more corporate-tied, people started scaling down. It got to where you don’t even have a drummer-you don’t need one. It’s expensive to put a big act out on the road, you know. The horns and all that stuff, you see it less and less, partially because of economics or greed.
You’ve got a pretty big drew.
Our scaled-down version is eight. When budget allows we’ve got a 12 piece, with a full horn section and everything. I was going broke trying to tour a 12 piece band.

The band’s known for outlandish costumes.

We’ve kind of cut back a little bit, because I wanted the look to match the sound. Before,
We were doing a lot more typical party-funk kind of stuff,
so we kind of dressed like a bunch of party freaks. Now, the music to me has a little more sophisticated and sexy vibe to it. So we still dress up, but it’s not as over-the-top as it used to be.

What was the most garish thing you’ve worn?

I used to wear 7 inch steel heeled platform shoes that were fur up to my thighs. We were wearing fur and makeup. It’s still got elements of that, but no more platform shoes. It’s hard to work the piano pedals. - Brad Barnes

Gurufish performs tonight at Soho 5751 Milgen Rd. $5 cover
706-568-3316

- Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

Jul 14
Gurufish at Smith’s Olde Bar - July 12th 2008
Category: Funk, Shows, Soul


OMFG the funk. So funky it hurt. All the funk you can sop up with a bicsuit. Did I mention it was funky? I might have a little bit of a soft spot for the funk, but I mean damn, these guys brought it!

I *love* Smith’s Olde Bar. It’s probably my favorite place in Atlanta to see a band. Plus, they have fried pickles downstairs. Yes, deep-fried pickles. How can you go wrong?

I showed up to see the main act Papa Grows Funk from New Orleans (see upcoming post), but honestly, Gurufish is my kind of band. It’s like James Brown and Prince had a love child. Papa Grows Funk is badass in their own way, but Gurufish is my kind of funk.

Pics. Click on through for a full set of shots.

- Putitwhereitsat.com

GURUFISH- An extremely theatrical
Atlanta show band, Gurufish are
ideally suited to play this venue.
They play flashy ‘70’s glam-rock
with heavy infusions of funk/soul
and disco. Better-than-journeyman-
level musicianship, particularly on
the keyboards. Music Midtown
COCA-COLA/V103 STAGE(Nicoll)

GURUFISH- Those whose ‘70’s soul/funk jones was stoked by the return of Prince can get a secondhelping when these locals hit the stage.Gurufish churns
out a set of hardcore old-school R&B
with a lavish and garish show. Wear your day-glo platform and don’t forget your afro pick. Smith’s Olde Bar (Horowitz)

GURUFISH- Notable as much for their wild outfits as for their
glitz‘n’glam music Gurufish is a colorful, flashy show-band.
Their repetoire ranges from loving covers of 70’s soul ans
funk gems, to original numbers with a heavy Prince influence. They’re headlining tonight’s fundraiser for
group devoted to changing Atlanta club/liquor laws.
Smith’s Olde Bar (Nicoll) - Nicoll / Horowitz

Gurufish (Smith’s Olde Bar)
If you can get past Jimmy St. James Prince/Sly Stone/
Beatles infatuation, sleazy
pimp attire and outrageous
Quay Lewd boots, there’s
some serious funky psyche-
delia and lovely melodies
deepin his twisted heart.
Derivative? Sure, but no more
so than Lenny Kravitz or
Terrence Tret D’Arby, and
the guy can sing and put
across his over-the-top soul
schtick with enough
conviction to squash any
doubts of his innatetalent.
Recent shows have been sold
out, so get there early and catch
him at Smith’s before he moves
on to the next level where he
surely belongs. - Poets, Artists & Madmen

With phat platforms to boot, Gurufish are all about a party. Fixing a bead on both Gearge Clintonesque
workouts (”Get on the Funk”) and traditional pop, these grooves straddle a very odd combination of
fenceposts. Here are breezy horns, slappy basses and spacey synthesizers all under one rooftop.
Bringing you all this booty-shaking ambience is Jimmy St. James, who channels the spirit of several
soul champions into the 16 tracks collected here. If he can actually put into action half the gear he’s
draped upon himself for the record sleeve, he must be a semi-spectacle to witness live. Granted,
none of the schtick hasn’t been worked before and to further extremes, I might add, but it’s somewhat comforting to know that someone is attempting to carry the tradition forward. What’s particularly
interesting is that in just under 70 minutes, St. James(who is referrd to as “Chanel” throughout the
CD booklet) makes a concerted effort at approaching the R&B equation from as many angles as possible.
There are items here that lean towards the Kravitz end of things (”Love Supreme”), the uptempo pop
psychedelics of Prince (”Big Picture”) and the good Dr. Funkenstien himself (”The Grind”). Laid down
initially in analogue for that extra-natural bit of flava, Gurufish seem earnest in their hopes to
nail the jam however they can.
- Joe Silva - 99Xpress/ Joe Silva

GURUFISH- An extremely theatrical
Atlanta show band, Gurufish are
ideally suited to play this venue.
They play flashy ‘70’s glam-rock
with heavy infusions of funk/soul
and disco. Better-than-journeyman-
level musicianship, particularly on
the keyboards. Music Midtown
COCA-COLA/V103 STAGE(Nicoll)

GURUFISH- Those whose ‘70’s soul/funk jones was stoked by the return of Prince can get a secondhelping when these locals hit the stage.Gurufish churns
out a set of hardcore old-school R&B
with a lavish and garish show. Wear your day-glo platform and don’t forget your afro pick. Smith’s Olde Bar (Horowitz)

GURUFISH- Notable as much for their wild outfits as for their
glitz‘n’glam music Gurufish is a colorful, flashy show-band.
Their repetoire ranges from loving covers of 70’s soul ans
funk gems, to original numbers with a heavy Prince influence. They’re headlining tonight’s fundraiser for
group devoted to changing Atlanta club/liquor laws.
Smith’s Olde Bar (Nicoll) - Nicoll / Horowitz