This Boulder, Colorado-based band brings a smooth new sound to Strokeland along with some very familiar guests on their latest CD, "Rise Above".

Funkiphino ("funk-if-I-know") features dual lead vocals over smooth grooves, backed by horn arrangements from frequent Tower of Power horn arranger, Dave Eskridge. Legendary Tower of Power bassist, Francis Rocco Prestia, is featured on two tracks, as well as Tower of Power and Strokeland legend, Stephen "Doc" Kupka on bari sax.

A cast of other great guest musicians join Funkiphino on "Rise Above", including Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson), Nick Lane (Chicago, studio ace, and Strokeland artist with "Alias Smith and Lane"), and members of the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera.

Funkiphino delivers a first-rate production from Grammy-winning producer Matt Sandoski, who coproduced the album with Funkiphino band leader/keyboardist Chris Fischer.

You can catch the band all over the Colorado Front Range ripping up dance floors and festivals in equal measure. Their original music can be described as "euro-funk" style acid-jazz sprinkled with retro Oakland style horns.

The members of Funkiphino hope to deliver quality, soul-inspired music to their listeners. Rise Above has an organic vibe that only a live drum kit, a horn section and a real Hammond organ can generate.

A smooth groove with a little taste of Oakland. Check out Funkiphino for yourself.