Lettuce

About — Lettuce

Lettuce is a renowned funk band that emerged from Boston, Massachusetts, in 1992. The band's inception traces back to a summer program at Berklee College of Music, where the founding members bonded over their love for funk legends like Earth, Wind & Fire, and Tower of Power. Their passion also extended to jazz-funk icons such as Headhunters. The name "Lettuce" originated from their early gigs, where they would approach club owners with the plea, "let us play."

LETTUCE

Band Composition and Members

Over the years, Lettuce has seen several talented musicians contribute to its unique sound. The current lineup showcases:

  • Adam "Shmeeans" Smirnoff (guitar)
  • Nigel Hall (keyboards, Hammond B-3 organ, piano, vocals)
  • Adam Deitch (drums/percussion)
  • Erick "Jesus" Coomes (bass)
  • Ryan Zoidis (saxophone)
  • Eric "Benny" Bloom (trumpet)

Former members who helped shape the band's legacy include Eric Krasno, Sam Kininger, Jeff Bhasker, Neal Evans, and Rashawn Ross. Each brought their distinct flavor, enriching the group's versatility.

Five Things You Should Know About Lettuce

Musical Style and Achievements

Lettuce's music is a compelling blend that transcends genres—merging funk with elements of hip-hop, rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul, jam, go-go, and avant-garde. Their dynamic live performances have made them a festival favorite, celebrated for their energy and improvisational prowess.

The band's discography exemplifies their evolution, including standout albums like:

  • Outta Here (2002)
  • Rage! (2008)
  • Fly (2012)
  • Crush (2015)
  • Mt. Crushmore EP (2016)
  • Witches Stew (live album, 2017)
  • Elevate (2019)
  • Resonate (2020)
  • Unify (2022)
  • VIBE (2023)

Notably, "Crush" topped the U.S. Jazz Albums chart, and "Elevate" received a Grammy nomination for Instrumental Album of the Year in 2020.

Lettuce

Evolution and Side Projects

Throughout their journey, Lettuce has continuously pushed the boundaries of their sound, integrating influences from Indian and house music to classic and trance funk. This experimentation underscores their reputation as fusion pioneers within the funk scene.

Several members have also thrived outside of Lettuce. Adam Deitch has collaborated with John Scofield and Wyclef Jean, while Erick Coomes has performed with Britney Spears and The Game, contributing to their individual artistic growth.

Lettuce Brings the Funk Back to the Berklee Performance ...

Legacy and the Road Ahead

Lettuce stands tall in the funk arena, known for their tight-knit camaraderie and cohesive sound, cultivated over decades of collaboration. As they constantly embark on global tours, Lettuce remains a formidable force in clubs, concert halls, and festivals alike.

The band is currently engaged in creating a trilogy of albums, with "Resonate" being the second release, featuring the production expertise of Russ Elevado. This signifies their continuous commitment to evolving their funk legacy.

Lettuce (band) - Wikipedia

Lettuce’s journey is marked by both a respect for traditional funk and an insatiable drive to innovate, ensuring their place as monumental figures in modern funk and jam band music.

Sources

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