Biography
Marvelous Funkshun is a Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based band formed in 2014 by guitarist and vocalist Sam Robinson, blending psychedelic rock, classic funk, electric blues, jam rock, and sacred steel elements into extended improvisational grooves.[1][2][3] The band's signature sound centers on the pedal steel guitar of Durell Randolph, nephew of sacred steel pioneer Robert Randolph, complemented by Will Bagley on bass, Zach Landon on drums, and Ian McIsaac on keyboards, creating a heavy, groove-oriented style that has made them a favorite at venues and festivals across the Southeast.[1][3][4] As veteran live performers, they have toured heavily since formation, sharing stages with major acts and releasing music like the 2023 EP Instru-Mental, which includes a cover of The Meters' 'Look-Ka Py Py'.[1][2]
Sam Robinson, a seasoned musician with a history of diverse gigs including Widespread Panic after-parties and local fundraisers, leads the group with hard-edged guitar work inspired by artists like Mark Lettieri, The Meters, Ghost-Note, and Eric Gales.[1][3] Recent singles such as 'Harris the Hater' (featuring Eric Gales and John 'Papa' Gros) and 'Stormy Weather' (with Gros) showcase their evolving sound, often born from spontaneous ideas like one conceived during Robinson's COVID recovery in 2020.[1][3][6] The band has built a reputation through consistent regional touring and high-profile supports, gearing up for events like Jazz Fest and collaborations with funk legends.[4][6]
Marvelous Funkshun's legacy lies in their fusion of sacred steel with funk and jam traditions, positioning them as one of North Carolina's rising underground acts with growing recognition through guest appearances and new releases.[1][3]
Fun Facts
- The riff for 'Harris the Hater' was conceived by Sam Robinson while he had COVID in November 2020, saved on his phone, and rediscovered four years later.[1][3]
- Sam Robinson once played a noon fundraiser at Fiddlin’ Fish and a Widespread Panic after-party in Raleigh on the same day, highlighting his veteran status.[1][3]
- The band covers The Meters' 'Look-Ka Py Py' on their 2023 EP Instru-Mental as a nod to George Porter Jr.[1][3]
- Early lineup featured pedal steel player Shawn Hickman before Durell Randolph.[7]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Robert Randolph - Uncle of pedal steel player Durell Randolph, providing familial stylistic influence in sacred steel (General band sound) [2014-present]
Key Collaborators
- George Porter Jr. - Shared stages multiple times, opened for him, upcoming collaborative sets (Green Street Funk Jam, various shows since 2018) [2018-present]
- Eric Gales - Guest on 'Harris the Hater', opened for multiple times ('Harris the Hater' single, live shows) [2015-present]
- John “Papa” Gros - Organ on singles ('Harris the Hater', 'Stormy Weather') [2024]
- Kofi Burbridge - Shared stage (Live performances) [Pre-2020]
- Snoop Dogg - Shared stage (Live performances) [Undated]
- Durell Randolph - Core band member on pedal steel (All releases including Instru-Mental) [2014-present]
- Will Bagley - Core band member on bass (All releases and tours) [2014-present]
- Zach Landon - Core band member on drums (All releases and tours) [2014-present]
- Ian McIsaac - Core band member on keyboards (All releases and tours) [2014-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| I Love You | 2021-09-18 | Album |
| Instru-Mental (Deluxe Edition) | 2023-07-11 | Album |
| 11-27-2022 Cone Denim Entertainment Center Greensboro, NC (Live) | 2023-05-12 | Album |
| Live in the Camel City 2 | 2022-04-20 | Album |
| Marvelous Funkshun (Live in Floyd, VA, 07-25-2019) | 2020-02-26 | Album |
| Live in the Camel City | 2019-01-19 | Album |
| Marvelous Funkshun (Live at Ziggy's) | 2016-10-23 | Album |
| Marvelous Funkshun | 2013-10-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Maggot Brain - Live (I Love You)
- Harris the Hater (Harris the Hater)
- Stormy Weather (Stormy Weather)
- Harris the Hater (Instru-Mental (Deluxe Edition))
- Trouble (I Love You)
- I Love You (I Love You)
- Funky Bitch - Live (I Love You)
- Truman (Truman)
- Introspect (I Love You)
- Trouble (Trouble)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Marvelous Funkshun has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 12:58 | Look-Ka Py Pyfrom Instrumental | New Orleans Music Showw/ Murf Reeves |