The funk-focused collective of seasoned instrumentalists known as Capital 6 is hauling a whole lot of shared musical history and experience.
Over the last few decades, the Canadian sextet has seen it all: from playing in church basements to prominent stages and many places in between. Part of what makes this group’s chemistry so unique is their longtime bond of friendship and a mutual devotion to performing music.
The six faces behind the funk n’ soul sounds include Andrew DeMerchant (drums), Will Pacey (bass), Connor Fox (guitar), Kelly Waterhouse (saxophone), Jeannine Gallant (trombone), and Matte Robinson (trumpet). Each artist brings his or her own unique flair, backed by an impressive lineup of musical collaborations and backgrounds. Though immersed in projects of their own, this “capital six” share a special sonic bond, and the result is magic.
Dropping this Wednesday, August 28th, 2024, Capital 6 will release their latest album, Not My One, a compilation of nine instrumental songs teeming with interchangeable harmonies and a whole lotta groove. The absence of lyrics only enhances the focus on just how nuanced their musicianship is, and it leaves ample space for enchanting musical harmonies and evolving grooves only select artists can achieve.
A funky jazz-forward number, “The Shiznit” kicks the album off, featuring a strong base provided by DeMerchant’s drums. Spunky horn accompaniment ebbs and flows, crescendoing towards the song’s middle, and then mellowing back out. With a song title like this alone, you know you’re in for an adventurous sonic romp. From the jump it’s clear this is a band that no doubt tears it up live, and would fit like a glove at a number of music festivals.
Opening with an infectious, cheeky combo of guitar and jazzy horn flare, the follow up track, “Give It To ‘Em,” maintains the down and dirty funk, and is all but certain to have listeners feeling the groove. As the melody builds steam, subtle yet evident hints of bass and drums lock into a back and forth conversation, holding it down between bursts from the brass section and a killer Jerry Garcia-esque “Wah” style guitar. While the title of this one leaves much to the imagination, if you’re looking for a vibe that instills confidence and swagger, this danceable number delivers in spades.
The title isn’t the only funky thing about “Samosas, No,” as this track displays the band’s versatility with it sounding more like a hard rock song with some Black Sabbath-like guitar play. An energetic cocktail of genres, this tune again hits harder, mixing grittier guitar but still maintaining the crucial horn component with a dash of psychedelia. Simply put, it’s badass.
Though their final track “Cancer Season” boasts a more chill if not pensive melody, it’s just as complex and rich as the other eight tracks. No singular instrument dominates this number; instead, it properly showcases each unique sound in an emollient harmony. A longer track, this one again fits the bill for a jam band-related music festival for those who want to just sway and forget the world around them. (and maybe fire up a bowl of jazz cabbage)
Formed in the summer of 2018, the diverse musicians bring an array of talent and experience to the table. DeMerchant does not lay claim on any one genre; instead, he dabbles in damn near all of them. Performing in all-ages punk shows, opening for bands like Eric’s Trip and Fugazi, and touring Atlantic Canada with a 20-piece swing orchestra is some of what the drummer has accomplished. Pacey started playing bass in a funk band at 19, and since then, he’s played with a number of acts, including but not limited to Dub Antenna, Socially Exceptable, and Ross Neilsen.
Fox has been ripping on the axe essentially since the moment he could hold a pick, and also performs as lead guitarist for The Hypochondriacs. “Musically raised’ in Fredericton, Canada, sax extraordinaire Waterhouse touts music as her forever first love. With over 20 years of professional experience singing and playing, it comes as no surprise that Gallant has been a member of two EMCA-nominated bands. Last but not least, Robinson brings with him 30+ years of trumpet playing. The sound of his horn can be found on many discographies across the region, including that of Vetch.
Capital 6 put out their debut album, On the One, in June of 2020. And now, the group is mere days away from the release of their anticipated sophomore record. Not My One was recorded by Dylan Ward at at Outreach Studios, and the band offers a special thanks to Jonnie Price, the original guitarist who helped them write” Samosas, No,” “Foobadooba,” and “Give It to ’em.”
