Multiple Grammy Award-winning musical collective Snarky Puppy return to the UK!
A fusion of all things jazz funk and soul, Snarky Puppy are a live music juggernaut the likes of which has never been experienced before. Though unconventional in many ways: their dynamic line-up, their blend of music, as well as their free-flowing concerts being more than just a gig; Snarky Puppy’s rise has been an organic, word-of-mouth spread phenomenon that has seen them morph into an ever-evolving and embryonic entity.
The 2022 run of October dates will mark the first UK dates from the unique ensemble since they performed live in 2019 at the Royal Albert Hall; a performance they recorded and released as a live album (Snarky Puppy: Live At The Royal Albert Hall), winning them their most recent Grammy for last year’s Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
The award follows on from their previous Grammy’s – Best R&B Performance in 2014, and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album in 2016 and 2017 – in what has been an incredible rise for a virtuoso, one-off group.
Snarky Puppy was formed by bassist and primary composer Michael League in 2003, starting inconspicuously enough as a group of college friends at the University of North Texas’ Jazz Studies program.
14 albums later, they have grown into a collective of sorts with as many as 25 members in regular rotation, with the sheer number of musicians making them a captivating live act. Many of the members have become successful solo artists in their own right.
At its core, Snarky Puppy represents the convergence of both black and white American music culture with various accents from around the world. Japan, Argentina, Canada, the United Kingdom all have representation in the group’s membership.
But more than the cultural diversity of the individual players, the defining characteristic of Snarky Puppy’s music is the joy of performing together in the perpetual push to grow creatively.
“Snarky Puppy can seemingly adapt to any and every genre. […] One of the more versatile groups on the planet right now.” – Rolling Stone
“A barnstorming, groove-centric instrumental act with a rabid fan base.” – The New York Times
“A perfect balance between improv and groove.” – The Guardian