Swamp Funk Quartet

SFQ brings together musicians with diverse backgrounds, but a common love of grooving music.

Guitarist Ted Baumann is a recent arrival to Atlanta from Cape Town, South Africa, where he was a fixture of the national music scene for many years. There he fronted bands such as the Groove Kings, the Lonesharks, and top 10 radio artists Woodshed, and appeared on national radio and numerous festival stages. A South African version of SFQ enjoyed wide success in the late 90s and early 2000s, including the most-downloaded South African song of the 1998, with an acid-funk version of “Mannish Boy”. Ted’s guitar style incorporates elements of blues, country, funk, and of course lots of bottleneck slide.

Bassist Van Miller started playing in 1977 with the legendary Atlanta band “Cool Breeze”, featuring Ritchie Kicklighter on guitar and Bill Sheffield on vocals. In 1980 he and Sheffield formed the XL’s, a four-piece R&B band with a strong regional following. In 1985 Van joined forces with T.K. Lively (drummer for Wet Willie), Will Alvarez (one-time guitarist for Elvin Bishop), Carl (James Calvin) Yaun on vocals, Ken Rhyne on harp, Rick Callahan on guitar and a four piece horn section to form “James Calvin and the Ultimates”. In 1990-91 Van and T.K. Lively formed the rhythm section of a band called “Rib Joint”, which featured Jeff Carlisi and Max Carl of the famous southern rock band “38 Special”. From 1991-99 Van played with the “Down to Earth Blues Band”, backing up the soul legend “Lotsa Poppa” every Monday night at Blind Willies, Atlanta’s premier blues club. The next few years were spent freelancing in Atlanta with local acts including “the Tak Attack” featuring Tak Nakazawa on guitar and Sean O’Rourke (of “Sugarland” and “Aquarium Rescue Unit” fame) on drums.

Drummer Mike Roberts has been a full-time musician most of his adult life. He also drums for Atlanta Rock Band Ledfoot Messiah. Mike is also the live music manager for the downtown Atlanta Hard Rock Café.