Strokeland is always on the lookout for great horn bands from around the world influenced by the East Bay Soul tradition. From Italy, we welcome Bononia Sound Machine who bring their own unique take on the East Bay Soul sound with some very special guests on their latest CD - FUNKY DREAMS!.

Bononia Sound Machine’s live performances include a variety of genres, from the classics of great soul singers like Otis Redding, James Brown, Wilson Pickett and Aretha Franklin, to the masterpieces of funk powerhouses like Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire, and Average White Band. 

The year 2004 was a landmark year for Bononia Sound Machine, who won the Italian national Heineken Summer Kings of Soul competition hosted by the Blue Inn Café. In December of that same year, BSM recorded their first ever live record titled “Blue Inn Café Live”, available on www.bsmband.com.

Over the years, BSM have performed live in front of thousands of people. In 2005 the band played an amazing concert in Piazza Maggiore, Bologna in front of 15,000 music lovers. The same year BSM flew to England for some gigs in Leeds and Harrogate. 

In 2006, BSM expanded their repertoire and created the School of Soul, a unique live set dedicated to the birth and evolution of soul music. This special set offers a real treat for all lovers of the classic Stax and Motown hits of the 1960s to the most well-liked soul jams of today, and includes fun facts and stories about the original performers! 

The year 2007 was another important landmark year for the band: In June BSM played during the world famous “Ducati World Week” and shared the stage with such artists as Patty Smith. A month later Bononia Sound Machine released its first studio recording session called Stuffunk, which contains original songs written and performed by the band. The official release of that on July 19, 2007 was complimented by a special live performance at the 20th Anniversary of the International Porretta Soul Festival. Stuffunk is available on CDBaby.com. 

Bononia Sound Machine has recently released a new CD called "FUNKY DREAMS!" which features various current and former members of Tower of Power as special guests. Jeff Tamelier (guitar and producer), Greg Adams (horn arrangements), David Garibaldi (drums), Rocco Prestia (bass), Stephen 'Doc' Kupka (baritone sax), Mic Gillette (trumpet and trombone) and the great Emilio Castillo (lead vocals) are all featured as the band's special guests.