Snarky Puppy Mesmerizes at Nancy Jazz Pulsations with Genre-Bending Fusion

Snarky Puppy, known for their seamless blend of musical genres, delivered a spellbinding performance at the 2022 Nancy Jazz Pulsations. Under the leadership of founding member Mike League, the band draws from a rich tapestry of black music, jazz, funk, and blues. Mike's deep connection to gospel music, fostered by his time playing at a black church in Dallas, has profoundly influenced the band's direction.

Snarky Puppy’s “Something” from the "Family Dinner - Volume One" Project. Featuring Lalah Hathaway

Snarky Puppy, a genre-defying band from Dallas, Texas, has been making innovative music for 20 years under the leadership of Mike League. Their version of the song "Something," featuring the extraordinary Layla Hathaway from the "Family Dinner – Volume One" project, became a viral sensation when Hathaway performed her stunning multi-note singing. This live recording project, where Snarky Puppy backed various vocalists, earned the band a Grammy for "Best R&B Performance." "Something" exemplifies Snarky Puppy's talent for reimagining classics and collaborating with top artists.

Snarky Puppy and Metropole Orkest plays “The Curtain” from the project “Sylva”

Snarky Puppy joined up with Metropole Orkest to do a breathtakingly beautiful version of “The Curtain” with an alternate take. This piece is one of the few songs that founder and bandleader Mike League actually had to write the music down.  Usually the band learns by listening, but with this song with its string section, the parts needed to be in writing.

Snarky Puppy are constantly stretching themselves out of the genre labeling to just playing good music, Mike says, “If it feels good, it’s right.”

What About Me, Snarky Puppy, Live in Helsinki 2024

Snarky Puppy's "What About Me" is a prime example of the tight grooves and infectious energy found on their acclaimed live album, "We Like It Here." This project, their ninth album, captures the magic of the band in its element – live and on fire.
But here's the twist: the touring band you see on stage is just half the size of Snarky Puppy's full crew! With a whopping 20 members, founder Mike League admits it's simply not feasible to take everyone on the road. The solution? They rotate members throughout the tour, ensuring everyone gets a chance to shine.
More than just a jam band, more poppy and eclectic than your typical jazz ensemble, Snarky Puppy has always defied categorization. "We Like It Here" takes this genre-bending spirit to new heights, showcasing their ability to blend musical styles into something truly unique and exciting.
So, dive into "What About Me" and experience the electrifying energy of Snarky Puppy live. Then, explore the rest of "We Like It Here" to discover the full breadth of this innovative band's sound.

Snarky Puppy Rocks NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert

Snarky Puppy, the 20-member jazz-funk fusion band founded by Mike League in 2004, recently brought their infectious energy to NPR's Tiny Desk Concert. Despite the intimate setting, they delivered a powerful performance of "Tarova" from "Culcha Vulcha" and "Xavi" from "Immigrance," even involving NPR staff in the complex percussion. This captivating set perfectly captures Snarky Puppy's unique sound and playful spirit, making it a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike.

Capturing the Band's Raw Energy

Snarky Puppy's iconic "Lingus" gets a whole new dimension on their electrifying live album, "We Like It Here." Forget stuffy studios—this project was recorded live over four nights in the Netherlands, capturing the band’s raw energy and improvisational magic, which has racked up over 35 million YouTube views for "Lingus" alone.
The crowd roars as founder Mike League lays down the foundation with his signature melodies. Then, the band explodes into a sonic adventure, weaving jazz, funk, world music, and rock into a captivating tapestry. But wait, there's more! Keyboardist Cory Henry unleashes a stunning solo that will leave you speechless.
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"We Like It Here" isn't just a concert, it's an experience

"Empire Central" Captures Snarky Puppy's Raw Energy

Snarky Puppy's "Pineapple," from their Grammy-winning 2022 album "Empire Central," showcases the band's signature blend of jazz and funk. Founder Mike League often draws songwriting inspiration from ambient department store music, turning those rhythms into unique compositions.
Recorded live at Deep Ellum Art Company, "Empire Central" captures Snarky Puppy's raw energy. "Pineapple," track 13 on the album, is a concise and punchy tune at 4:57 minutes. While specific details about "Pineapple" are scarce, it's part of an album praised for its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant sound.

Many Fans Discovered Snarky Puppy Through this Engaging Track

Snarky Puppy's "Thing of Gold," from their 2010 project "GroundUP," is a joyfully uplifting track that showcases the band's exceptional musicianship. Recorded live without overdubs at Shapeshifter Lab in Brooklyn, this shorter piece blends funk, jazz, and world music elements into an infectious groove."GroundUP" captures the band's raw, unfiltered energy and improvisational spirit, with "Thing of Gold" exemplifying tight instrumental interplay and impressive solos. Many fans discovered Snarky Puppy through this engaging track, which is available on streaming services and the "GroundUP" CD/DVD. It's a must-listen for anyone who loves innovative and enjoyable music.