The FUNDERHORNS were created by …….
Wes Funderburk – trombone
Wes Funderburk is one of the most sought-after trombonists, composers and arrangers in the southeast and is the author of Funderbone.com. He has performed, recorded and written music for Natalie Cole, Cee Lo, Dallas Austin, The Boston Brass, Ben van Dijk, Joe Gransden, the Georgia Brass Band and numerous other national and international artists. He is the cofounder of the Funderhorns, a commercial horn section that has recorded in the finest recording studios with artists such as Natalie Cole, Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, Dondria, Cee Lo, SoShy, Kelis and many more. Currently Wes teaches at Kennesaw State University and the Atlanta International School.
Ken Watters – trumpet
Born & raised in Huntsville, Alabama, trumpeter Ken Watters is a Bach Performing Artist/Clinician, a Summit Records Recording Artist & a SESAC affiliated jazz composer. Ken left Huntsville at 17 years of age to attend Interlochen Arts Academy for his final year of high school, immediately after which he began attending the University of North Texas.
Ken regularly performs all over North, Central & South America, Italy, France, Holland, Spain, Morocco, Japan & all throughout the Caribbean. He has performed, toured with, or recorded with Frank Sinatra, Marc Anthony, Natalie Cole, Wyclef Jean, John Abercrombie, Terry Gibbs, Ravi Coltrane, TLC, Mingus Big Band, Kelis, Gregg Allman, Bonnie Bramlett, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Fred Wesley, Roland Vazquez, Richie Cole, Jack Daniel’s Silver Cornet Band, Dave Valentin, Mike Stern, Bill Goodwin, Anthony Jackson, Chris Potter, Little Milton, Dan Penn, Steve Coleman, Gene Perla, David Liebman, Harry Connick Jr., Eartha Kitt, Peter Bernstein, The Fifth Dimension, Philip Harper, Petula Clarke, Russell Malone, Herbie Mann, Frederick Fennell, Gregory Hutchinson, Tabou Combo, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Steel Pulse, Walt Disney World, The Manhattans, The Platters, Marilyn McCoo, Phyllis Diller, Kassav’, David Holland, Larry Goldings & many other icons of the music world. Ken can also be heard throughout the soundtrack to David Byrne’s acclaimed film “True Stories.”
Ken co-leads a newly-formed Haitian / “Roots Music” flavored jazz ensemble called RIYEL (pronounced ree-YELL & meaning “alleyway” or “backstreet” in Haitian Creole) along with trombonist/vocalist Andre Atkins & bassist Yves Abel (“The Fridge”). The band’s self-titled debut CD was released internationally on Summit Records in April.