Funk for the sake of funk. That’s the mission statement for MTN Lion, the new Colorado group made up of drummer Adam Deitch and guitarist Adam Smirnoff, both from the band Lettuce, and keyboardist Joey Porter and bassist Garrett Sayers, who played together in The Motet, which Porter recently departed while Sayers remains.
The mostly instrumental MTN Lion released its debut album, “Stealth,” in July. Porter says Herbie Hancock is probably the biggest influence on the quartet, and to that end one of the album’s tracks is a cover of Hancock’s “Doin It.” There’s also a take on the Marvin Gaye deep cut “You Can Leave But It’s Going to Cost You,” featuring guest vocalist Nigel Hall, also of Lettuce. Further tribute to some funk forefathers is paid on the original tune “Garibaldi,” named for the Tower of Power drummer David Garibaldi.
Deitch recently fielded some questions about the project via email.
What made you realize this group might be more than a fun musical hang and an album might be possible?
We inherently knew this quartet would be burnin in the studio. Everyone writes and we have chemistry so we did it!
You’ve played with a few of these guys for a really long time. Why is this situation different or special?
This is special cause Joey and Garrett welcomed me and Smirnoff to Denver years ago when we moved from NYC. We are homies and trust each other musically.
Tell me about the cover songs on the album and why you wanted to record them?
Joey picked those killer covers!
Funk is associated with disco and some jam bands and some other genres. What are some other types of music where funk shows up that people might not realize it’s even happening?
’90s hip-hop is extremely funky. So is gogo music from DC. We love all forms of funk.
Why did you name the group MTN Lion?
Mountain lions are in Colorado and they are majestic and wild. We felt it fit our vibe.
Will there be any live shows?
Yes! Stay tuned!
How long have you lived in Denver? How would you describe the music scene there?
Been here 10 years. Love it and dig the scene here.
What are some funk albums that our readers should check out?
Herbie Hancock albums: “Secrets, “Man-Child,” and “Thrust.” The JB’s “Funky People” and any early Kool & the Gang record.
What’s next for Lettuce?
We are on tour currently! Check out Lettuce World on Volume.com
Are there any other projects you are working on?
I have a project called BTTRFLY thats up next for an album release!
Leave a Reply