The Oakland-based MO’FONE is known for its highly energetic and combustible lineup of two saxmen, one drummer and some of the most funky jazz and funk being played today. MO’FONE is a dynamic, high-energy band that explores the unique soundscape of its instrumentation. Its original compositions are full of energy and creativity. This creates a large sound that belies its small size. MO’FONE combines serious musicianship and an infectious sense of humor onstage. Each member of MO’FONE manages to groove with abandon, while remaining miraculously balanced. MO’FONE’s unique sound is accessible and addictive. They also deliver a variety of riffs. Their original concept and groovy improvisations have earned them twice the award for Best Jazz Band in the 2008 and 2012 East Bay Express Readers Polls. They also secured multiple slots at the Monterey and San Francisco Jazz Festivals as well as gigs at some of the Bay Area’s most prestigious live music venues. In 2008, the SF Weekly Music Awards nominated them for Best Funk Group. The Contra Costa Times wrote that “I was hooked right away” when they first released Surf’s Up (Evander Music 2003). Mo’Fone is the smallest band in the scene. The trio creates a full, multitextured and hard grooving sound on each piece. A large part of that sound comes from JIM PETERSON’s powerful baritone sax. He alternates seamlessly between melodic riffs and funky bass lines. Jim, a long-standing fixture in the Bay Area music scene, is a veteran of bands such as Motordude Zydeco, Indigo Swing and Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s. LARRY de la Cruz, who has a long and impressive record that includes stints with Phil Woods and Bobby Hutcherson as well as stints with the Temptations and Boca do Rio and Doc Severinsen, is flying high on flute, clarinet, and alto sax. JEREMY STEINKOLER is MO’FONE’s drummer. His orchestral approach to percussion gives MO’FONE its third, unabated solo voice.
