Links:

Three years ago - struggling to create a hip-hop/Acid Jazz scene - DJ Timbuk along with a collection of local frustrated musicians began booking gigs at the now defunct Blue Room/Crystal Lounge just outside downtown Denver, Colorado. Thirty miles away in Boulder a similar scene was building at the legendary bar Tulagi's. The scenes hit, made a quick splash, and faded. Out of its wake came a diverse collection of musicians lured into the world of improvisational grooves. In March of 1998, five of them united for one weekend to record at Sleeping Brotherhood Studios in Denver. They each came to the table with a solid resume of professional experience. They walked away with a debut CD and an attitude they would call the United Dope Front.

In the year and a half since the release of The Sexual Chocolate Experiment, the United Dope Front has performed with the Funky Meters, Original Parliament, Liquid Soul, the Rebirth Brass Band, Hank Crawford & Jimmy McGriff, Galactic, and Karl Denson's Tiny Universe. They recently released Live Unity, the first in a series of live and basement recordings. Live Unity was recorded at various dates between November 1998 and March 1999. This release proves that the members of the United Dope Front let the music speak for itself on stage and in the studio. Their performances have turned thousands of heads in less than a year creating a strong buzz across the state.

The players in the Dope Front have converged from diverse backgrounds. Bassist William Yale, hailing from NYC, has performed with dozens of acts ranging from ambient-dance freakout groups such as Sapce Farm, to avant-garde jazz performer Ron Miles. He has also worked as a producer, most notably for the band Cabaret Diosa. Keyboardist Andrew Diamond has written for the Pound Boys and Aqua Therium and performed with many groups in Colorado and San Francisco. He is currently engineering the Dope Front's new release at Studio Diamante and pursuing a medical degree. Saxophonist/guitarist Ben Senterfit first tasted success with the a capella group the Wayfarers. He later co-founded Chitlin with Javier Gonzalez and most recently toured with Zuba for a year and a half. Ben's groups have played with such acts as Bonnie Raitt, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Maceo Parker, the Funky Meters, and Original Parliament. Javier Gonzalez is currently living in New Jersey, pursuing a master's degree in Jazz history from Rutgers - Newark. He is also playing in NYC with jazz organ legend John Patton. Drummer Kenny James has worked with such acts as P-Funk, the Samples, Sherry Jackson and Lord of Word and the Disciples of Bass. DJ Timbuk has been spinning recently at hotspots in Denver and Boulder. He has spun alongside DJ's such as King Britt and DJ Greyboy. His musicality and versatility on the turntables ranks him among the most talented DJ's spinning today. Together these strong young playeres create a wall of funk fifty feet tall and yet at times laid back and loose as a goose.

Their new album, Constant Elevation, has been recorded at Studio Diamante under the watchful eye of performer/engineer Andrew Diamond and is in the final editing phase. Constant Elevation will redefine stylistic labels like 'Acid Jazz' and 'Trip Hop' into an indescribable Live-Band/Studio-DJ/Futuristic-Jazz experience that will shake your ass and boggle your mind.

So if you have not seen this explosive band live yet, and you want some powerful hip-shaking, mindbending grooves, now is the time. The band has received rave reviews across the state and is planning a tour to the West Coast in the spring. So light your fires and loosen your legs 'cause the United Dope Front is about to hit you head on.

For interviews, CD's, and any further information,
please do not hesitate to contact:

Ariel Publicity Artist Relations
   and Promotions
2999 Shady Hollow East
Boulder, CO 80304
Phone (303)443-0083
Fax (303)443-0720

© 2000 Ariel Publicity and United Dope Front