Personal Profiles

As a child Myisha Aban always heard the sound of music. Her grandmother gave piano lessons at home and Myisha began singing with her dad at the early age of six. Shortly thereafter her mother purchased a piano and the rest, as they say, is history. Her stage presence combines warmth and soul that has won over many a fan from her native city Sacramento, California to the far off regions of the Bahamas Islands

om Pimienta grew up listening to the sounds of funk, R&B, and disco music but says it was the rock band AC/DC that actually inspired him to pick up the guitar. Interestingly enough they are the only rock band that he likes! In fact, Tom cites jazz legend John Coltrane as his favorite musician and biggest influence. He enjoys playing R&B music mainly because "...rhythm is the fundamental form of musical expression. Groove is so primordial a feeling that everyone can connect with it!

Debonair spent his formative years as a child in Oakland California playing sports, singing in church and performing in local talent shows. Sensuous by nature yet highly energetic, Debonair has the ability to create and deliver a stage show so fascinating that it always leaves his audience with a highly motivated feeling. A feeling that always results in the repeated chanting of one simple, yet powerful word - "MORE!"

Yasutaka Nakajima came to the U.S. from Osaka, Japan to study and work with American artists such as Omar Shariff and the late Johnny Heartsman. His dedication to the music he plays is evident. Known for his smooth rhythmic approach Yasu is the glue that holds Funkengruven together night in and night out. 

Bassist Jac Mihanovic brings over 30 years of musicianship to the group. It is his philosophy that humor and an occasional slumber party are the keys to life.

Geno spent his youth in typical Northern California fashion - playing sports, listening to music, and daydreaming. As an adult he enjoys laughter, spending time with his family, and the study of human potential.

Skilled sax man Jerry Matthews  (a.k.a. Leon) has been playing professionally for over 25 years, and his talent has earned him opening spots for the likes of Isaac Hayes and B.B. King. It is well known that Jerry plays the saxophone with passion and soul, what few people know is that he is also a talented percussionist and guitarist.

 Vocalist extraordinaire Eric "The Red" Hansen is a multi talented individual. In addition to playing keyboards and arranging the vocal harmonies for the group Eric often fronts the "Road Show", which is the traveling unit of FUNKENGRUVEN.

 A thought provoking educator by day, Jerry Blake turns into FUNKENGRUVEN'S main man at night. Coming out of nowhere, like a superhero action figure, he puts energy into the void of space creating a party like atmosphere for all to enjoy. Audience members become citizens of his '70s "Soul World" as his character "Leroy" comes to life on stage.

Known as the "Dynamic Duo" trumpet man Mike Breitsprecher and trombonist Steve Gonsoulin have been an important part of FUNKENGRUVEN'S sound for many years. Both are top call brass players on the west coast and have played behind some of the biggest in the business.  Whether working together or independently they are known to add the cutting edge when, and where, it is needed.

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