Chunked

Triodes is a genre-jumping instrumental group that traces it roots to the upbeat instrumental r&b, soul, and funk of groups such as Booker T and the MGs, The Meters, and Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, but with generous nods to early reggae and ska, modern jam bands, experimental rock, jazz, and electronica. With a repertoire that puts an emphasis on solid grooves and an intriguing palette of sounds, the fun and funk of Triodes is delivered by Michael Occhipinti (guitar), Paul Neufeld (keyboards), Roberto Occhipinti (bass/producer), and Doan Pham (drums), with guests Jeff Coffin (saxophonist with Bela Fleck and The Flecktones & The Dave Matthews Band), rapper PHATT al, and percussionist Luis Orbegoso.
Formed as a spin off of their JUNO Award winning jazz ensemble NOJO (Neufeld-Occhpinti Jazz Orchestra), Triodes’ co-leaders Paul Neufeld and Michael Occhipinti have been collaborating on projects since they met at Toronto’s York University in 1988. NOJO won a JUNO for its 1995 debut CD and each of the group’s four subsequent releases has yielded a JUNO nomination, including two recordings with brilliant clarinetist Don Byon and one with sax legend Sam Rivers. While NOJO is a group dedicated to exploring fresh, original jazz written for a large ensemble, Triodes is very much about instrumental music with a great feel, where soulful improvising takes place over some of the best rhythm section players in Toronto and where each tune dares the listener to sit still.

The group’s debut recording CHUNKED is now out on Modica Music and is produced by JUNO Award winner Roberto Occhipinti, one of Canada’s most versatile musicians. Long known for his work in classical and jazz music, Roberto is also the founder of Toronto’s most influential soul/r&b band Soul Stew.