The Universe has a way of serving up a much needed tonic in these trying times. Something to make you smile, tap your feet, and escape into a joyful light. Such is the uplifting funkiness of ‘Mustard n’Onions’ by Ghost-Note. Released in 2024, this is the band’s third release and it simply smiles from top to bottom. Formed in 2014 by acclaimed percussion duo of Robert Sput Searight and Nate Werth of the great Snarky Puppy, Ghost-Note features an extensive lineup of the finest players around.
This is pure joy in musical form. That’s not an exaggeration at all. Simply put, if the sounds on this record don’t move you, then you’re dead inside. It’s a funky, soulful second line with Afro-Cuban rhythms and a hint of cool jazz. The blues peeks in from time to time, as does psychedelic fusion and hip-hop. The influences of Sly Stone, Prince, Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, and Count Basie are in full effect.
Rock solid drum and bass keep things grounded as the immaculate horns take flight. The funky smooth keys, silky vocals, and slick guitar carry the harmonic bundle along. The intricate Latin percussive bits grab you. And that’s just the beginning. Guest players like bassist Marcus Miller, late/great keyboardist Bernard Wright, guitarist Eric Gales, slide guitarist Travis Toy, a string section, and more bring the fire. The production is pristine, the performance is alive, and the beats will reach deep to move your soul.
Side Note: I love the entirety of this band, but as a recovering guitarist myself, I was floored by the subtle melodic/rhythmic mastery of Peter Knudsen, the sheer blues attack of Eric Gales on ‘Grandma’s Curtains’, and the out of left field slide wizardry of Travis Toy on ‘Revival Island’. I haven’t played in many years for a variety of reasons, but this is making me want to play again.
To get a feel for their euphoric and contagious live energy, check out their performances at NPR Tiny Desk (2025) and KNKX Public Radio (2024):
As the future of music keeps coming under scrutiny and attack, I’ll continue to point to groups like Ghost-Note as proof that real music is indeed alive and well. This is a massively talented band carrying the traditions of funk and jazz triumphantly into the future. This should be an inspiration for young and old alike not only to seek out new music, but to play it.
‘Mustard n’Onions’ is available on Bandcamp, as are their previous albums ‘Swagism’ (2018) and ‘Fortified’ (2015).
Cheers!
Stephen
Website → ghost-note-official.com
Instagram → instagram.com/ghost_note_official
Bandcamp → ghost-note.bandcamp.com/music
YouTube → youtube.com/@GhostNoteOfficialProductions
TikTok → tiktok.com/@ghost_note_official
