The Brothers Thick is a collaborative effort of several seasoned Los Angeles musicians guaranteed to deliver a fat groove in a funky stew. The collective soul of the project is to deliver a sound that feels like a cross between Sly Stone and the Georgia State Mass Choir. The bands rooted depth in several mixes creates a heady concoction of music which Rickey Vincent, writer of the book Funk: The Music, the People, and the Rhythm of The One refers to as “a low down dirty dog feeling that pops up when a baad funk jam gets to the heated part, and you forget about that contrived dance you were trying, and you get off your ass and jam.”
Most recently The Brothers Thick has served as the backing band for Atlantic Recording artist “Lina”, and as the house band for Stevie’s on the Strip “Night at the Apollo.”
The Brothers Thick consists of:
Paul Washington / vocals
This powerful, dynamic, crowd-pleasing vocalist was eulogized in the Seattle press by writer Tom Phalin for being “a steaming pillar of funk”. The charismatic performer has fronted a variety of bands including funk, R&B and disco. The singer recently returned from critically acclaimed performances in Tahiti. Formerly from Seattle, he performed with local headliners Hit Explosion and his own project, The Grüvbox. In Los Angeles, he’s lent his sultry vocals to The LA Love Machine, Evelyn Champagne King and Christopher Williams.
Erik Madsen / guitar
This prolific guitarist recently contributed his guitar skills to Jean-Michel Byron (formerly of Toto) in a nationally televised live event aired in Latin America. He’s referred to as an “amazing funk rhythm machine with funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and blues influences.” Formerly from Seattle, he earned a local fan base for his playing with bands such as Glazz House, Planet Zero, OneAgainstFive, the funk dance band The Grüvbox, The Urban Players and several “206” rap projects. In Los Angeles, he’s accompanied blues act Korla Wygal, Warner Brothers artist Alechia James, Jermayne Gordon (Winner of Best Male R&B Vocalist, 1999 LA Music Awards), Liquid Sunshine, Chazzy Green and the Greenbacks, The LA Love Machine, the original funk hip-pop act Sargasm. Fans can hear his guitar playing on the title track of MTV’s prime time show, Becoming.
Tracy Arrington / bass
This heavy hitting bass player is noted for having “the deepest groove in town”. Tracy is the musical director of The Brothers Thick and has performed both nationally and abroad to sold out venues. The bassist developed a Latin fan base when he performed with Jean-Michel Byron in a nationally televised live event aired in Latin America. He has lent his funky, rhythmic bass playing to acts such as blues man Curtis Salgado and toured across America as the opening act for the Steve Miller Band. Also a Seattle native, Tracy backed The Fat James Band and The Grüvbox in Seattle. He’s also performed with BB King, Jimmie Vaughn, Paul Rodgers, John Lee Hooker, Lucky Peterson, Little Milton, Bonnie Raitt and Patti LaBelle. In addition to these acts, Tracy is also noted for his ability to deliver as a gifted studio player.
Brandon Coleman / keys
Versatile and funky, the band is blessed with the talents of this great keyboard player. This twenty -year old self -taught keyboardist is the enthusiastic, playful force that fills out the band’s sound. A former drummer, Brandon decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps and try the keys. While Brandon’s credits are only just beginning those that have witnessed him perform would think this player is advanced far beyond his years.
Kerry Griffin / drums
A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Kerry has toured, performed and recorded with both national and international artists. Maxwell, Jessica Simpson, Mandy Moore, Mark Antoine, Cherokee and most recently Avant are just some of the musical credits this prolific drummer has under his belt. Kerry’s extensive touring and appearances on award shows, MTV, Regis & Kelly, BET, and HBO illustrate this drummer’s incredible energy and talents.
The Brothers Thick is committed to providing an amazing product, and do this we may bring in additional players at our discretion or at the customers request (additional vocals and/or horn section).