The Funk Ark

 The Funk Ark is a world funk ensemble based in Washington DC. The group draws on influences from the African and Latin funk/dance music scenes of the 1960s and 70s and the result is a gritty and soulful mix of inspired afrobeat and big band funk. Keyboardist and songwriter, Will Rast is well known for his work as a sideman with a veritable encyclopedia of artists both locally and internationally, such as Mya, Federico Aubele, Natalia Clavier, Ocote Soul Sounds, RAMP, Raheem Devaughn and Justin Jones. The coming year will find him immersed in no less than 4 records produced for the ESL Label including Funk Ark's own debut release coming in April 2011 and records by Thievery Corporation, Frank Mitchell Jr, and Ocote Soul Sounds, featuring Martin Perna of Antibalas and Adrian Quesada of the Grammy nominated Grupo Fantasma.THE FUNK ARK: Matt Rippetoe, Joe Hererra, Elijah Balbed, Greg Boyer, Jeff Franca, Marc Blackwood, Greg Loman, Josh Kay Rodney Richardson and Will Rast with special guest, Morgan Price.

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