Ikebe Shakedown

Biography

Ikebe Shakedown is a Brooklyn-based instrumental ensemble known for their dynamic blend of afrobeat, jazz funk, cinematic soul, and deep disco. The group was formed in the late 2000s by musicians who initially met at Bard College, where much of the rhythm section played together in various projects before relocating to New York City. Bassist Vince Chiarito was instrumental in assembling the band, which quickly expanded to include a robust horn section and began performing across Brooklyn and Manhattan, rapidly establishing themselves within the city's vibrant live music scene[1][7].

Drawing inspiration from 1970s African funk, 1960s American soul, and classic film soundtracks, Ikebe Shakedown has developed a signature style they describe as 'hard-hitting afro-funk.' Their music is strictly instrumental, characterized by tight grooves, lush horn arrangements, and a cinematic quality that evokes both dancefloor energy and evocative storytelling. Over the years, the band has released several acclaimed albums, including 'Hard Steppin',' 'Stone by Stone,' and 'The Way Home,' each showcasing their evolving collaborative songwriting process and deepening their reputation for energetic, immersive live performances[2][3][4].

Ikebe Shakedown's legacy lies in their ability to bridge genres and eras, channeling the spirit of afrobeat pioneers like Fela Kuti and the soul of classic Motown while pushing the boundaries of modern instrumental music. Their commitment to groove, ensemble interplay, and creative exploration has made them a staple of the New York funk and soul scene, influencing a new generation of instrumental bands.

Fun Facts

• The band's name, Ikebe Shakedown, is inspired by the Nigerian word 'Ikebe,' meaning 'buttocks,' and references the danceable quality of their music[1].
• Ikebe Shakedown's songwriting process is highly collaborative, often starting from a groove, bassline, or horn lick, and evolving through group improvisation[1][3].
• Their music is strictly instrumental, but they have begun experimenting with simple chants in recent works[1].
• They have performed at unique venues, including Brooklyn warehouse parties and the underground Rubulad party, known for its wild atmosphere and eclectic crowds[1][3].

Members

• Vince Chiarito - bass guitar

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fela Kuti - Primary stylistic influence; afrobeat pioneer whose rhythmic and compositional approach informs Ikebe Shakedown's sound (General influence on all albums) [2009–present]
• James Brown - Major influence in terms of groove, rhythm, and horn arrangements (General influence on all albums) [2009–present]
• Motown/Stax Records artists - Influence on soul and funk elements, especially horn and rhythm section interplay (General influence on all albums) [2009–present]
• Ennio Morricone & Bernard Herrmann - Influence on cinematic and orchestral elements in their arrangements (General influence, especially on 'Stone by Stone' and 'The Way Home') [2014–present]

Key Collaborators

• Vince Chiarito - Bassist, founding member, and producer/engineer for the band (All albums, especially 'The Way Home') [2009–present]
• Nadav Nirenberg - Trombonist, founding member, songwriter (All albums) [2009–present]
• Morgan Price - Baritone saxophonist, founding member (All albums) [2009–present]
• Robin Schmidt - Guitarist, key member (All albums) [2009–present]
• Other band members (horns/rhythm section) - Collaborative songwriting and performance (All albums and live shows) [2009–present]
• Buru Style - Shared performances and live collaborations (Live shows) [2009–2010]

Artists Influenced

• Modern NYC funk and afrobeat bands - Inspired by Ikebe Shakedown's approach to instrumental afro-funk and live performance (Emerging acts in the Brooklyn scene) [2015–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. View from Above (Assassin)
2. Road Song (The Beast / Road Song)
3. Dram (Stone by Stone)
4. No Answer (No Answer / No Answer)
5. Rio Grande (Stone by Stone)
6. By Hook or by Crook (Stone by Stone)
7. The Hold Up (Ikebe Shakedown)
8. Last Stand (Stone by Stone)
9. The Illusion (Stone by Stone)
10. The Offering (Stone by Stone)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #afro, #afrobeat, #brooklyn