Page 34 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2018 Issue

Over this fabric, there seems to be no limit to what music Snarky Puppy will add, picking up more and more
sounds from around the globe (which they are touring constantly). Melodic and rhythmic influences from
all corners can be heard, more of a diverse mix than you could find in most playlists -- forming layers of notes
coming from any number of instruments present, which is usually several sets of keys, a handful of horns,
one or more guitars, drums and additional percussion and of course League on bass or synth bass.
Occasionally a vocalist will join, but at their core, the music is instrumental, yet it always tells quite a story.
There are reports of anywhere from 8 to 20 or more musicians playing together at once, sometimes more.
Yet with all of these parts, every note seems to find the perfect place. The arrangements are complex and
full, but not crowded, which is remarkable when you see the number of members working together. This
makes for continual experimentation. I’ve heard the group a dozen times and no rendition of any song has
resembled any other. Improvisation is key for the Snarky Puppy sound – not just a chance for an individual
to solo here or there – in every bar of the music the band is improvising and changing direction and evolving
the energy.