Come here and get your tix!
Mama SpanX is a multi – member soul/rock/funk group made up of highly experienced and virtuoso musicians from the various musical genres. With strong influences by artists/bands such as Tower of Power, James Brown, Gladys Knight and Ike and Tina Turner the bands musical emphasis is on strong melodies/lyrics and grooves that at the same time highlight and feature the individual players as well as an exciting stage show.
Mama SpanX Background:
Leader/singer/songwriter and New York Blues Hall of Fame vocalist Nikki Armstrong, known for her soulful vocals and high energy performances, got the concept while collaborating over several years with Soul/Jazz Guitarist/Producer Melvin Sparks. Melvin, a major influence on the jam band scene, came up with the name "Mama SpanX ". After Melvin’s passing in 2011 and then performing all over the eastern seaboard and abroad, Nikki finally began forming the band in 2015.
The first artist to join was Drummer/composer/arranger Ben Beckley. Nikki and Ben had collaborated previously, songwriting and producing in LA before Nikki relocated to New York.
Dixie Frog recording artist/Blues guitarist Steve Johnson and his girlfriend, Latin/Jazz Saxophonist Julie Sax then joined. The couple and Nikki had played together frequently on the New York scene before Steve and Julie relocated to the LA area.
To contribute to the soul and gospel aspects of the band, three prominent fixtures on the LA Blues and R&B scene, Saxophonist Steve Sadd, Trumpet/Trombonist Gary Bivona and Keyboard/Organist Rex Perry became the next assets to the group bringing their chops and versatility. The search for the ideal bottom end to the group took almost 6 months. Six string fret-less Bassist, David Abercrombie added the perfect pocket for the band! This 8 pieces team of like-minded musicians forms the main core of Mama SpanX. See Bio page for more info on Nikki and the SPANKERS!
Mama SpanX STATE OF GROOVE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO AND VEVO CHANNEL!
New Mama SpanX Single release coming July 24!
Mama and the Spankers have been cooking up some new tunes....we are VERY excited about the first single! You can pick up on line of course and join in the fun of our bodacious release....WAIT FOR IT! Heehee!
MX LIVE! Come out on NOV. 15, 18 and get in the GROOVE!! (We gonna SPANK YOU!)
MX LIVE! Come out on OCT 12 and get in the GROOVE!! (We gonna SPANK YOU!)
Blues Bytes Review!
http://www.bluenight.com/BluesBytes/wn0418.html
The group Mama SpanX was assembled by singer/songwriter Nikki Armstrong, putting together some of her favorite musicians from the East and West Coast’s R&B, rock, and funk genres (the late soul-jazz guitarist Melvin Sparks gave Armstrong her distinctive moniker). Sparks would definitely be pleased with the collective’s first release, State of Groove, a ferocious nine-song set of blues, funk, and soul that pays tribute to pioneers like James Brown, Ike & Tina Turner, Sly & the Family Stone.
Ms. Armstrong and the band (Steve Johnson – guitars, Harlan Spector – B3, piano, Moog, Julie Sax – alto/baritone saxes, flute, Steve Sadd – tenor/soprano saxes, David Abercrombie – bass, Ben Beckley – drums, piano/musical director) rip through a strong nine song set with eight originals and one cover….well, make that a half-cover since it’s Lou Donaldson’s funky soul-jazz instrumental “Alligator Boogaloo,” supplemented by new lyrics from Armstrong.
The opener, “Rocket,” is a horn-driven mid-tempo funk number that is reminiscent of Tower of Power’s catalog, “Wild Emotion” sounds like a long-lost late ’60s/early ’70s R&B single, while “Crawl” mixes a little bit of the blues with greasy funk. The blues ballad “Wrong Side of the Garden” arrives mid-album and Armstrong give a fine vocal performance with subtle guitar backing from Johnson and smooth backing vocals from the band.
“Thinkin’” brings to mind James Brown, especially those tasty horns and Johnson’s Jimmy Nolan-esque guitar work, while “Anywhere You Are” is a lovely soulful ballad with a tender vocal from Armstrong and soft backing from Spector on piano. The irresistible title track closes the disc on a funky note with the band getting ample room to strut their stuff.
State of Groove will bring a smile to the faces of those music fans who dig the old school sounds of jazz, funk, and soul of the late ’60s and ’70s. There are still a few bands who play it like they used to, and Mama SpanX does it like few others do.
--- Graham Clarke
Mama Live & Streaming April 20!
MAMA at Viva!
Feb 9 2018 TWO MORE GREAT REVIEWS TODAY!
Next Mama SpanX Show and World Class Jam
GET INTO the GROOOOVE!
Mama SpanX re-released State of Groove in early Nov 2018 and gave it to Frank Roszak
KBA Recipient 2014 PUBLICIST
www.frankroszakpromotions.com to promote.
Since then we have been added to so many playlists on reporting stations all over the world and received over 30 glowing reviews, we can hardly keep up with it all! Most are posted at https://www.facebook.com/mamaspanx/
And many of them are here:
Previous events
BUY TIX HERE FROM US OTHERWISE WE DON'T GET THE PROPS!! Hey folks! We'd love for you to join us in this perfect setting/venue on a perfect bill with headliner Danny Seraphin's "Take Me Back to Chicago/California Transit Authority,
If you've never been to this Canyon club, there is plenty of parking out front and back. Food is good! it will probably be standing room only with these tickets, all tho there are some seats/tables and place to hang in back which is great place to see and hear the show.( If you want a table, you need to have min. of 2 people and once you have this tix you can call the venue and upgrade to a table.)
Mama SpanX Show & Official Music Video Release
Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd Suite 101, California 90008, Los Angeles
SHOW & OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO RELEASE PARTY! Presented by Jerzy George Kossek's Blues Review. We are back once again in this lovely venue. A full night of Mama SpanX and that means we are gonna SPANK you into the GROOVE all night long! We will also be debuting our Official Music Video "State of Groove", that we created with Videographer, Producer Tim Sabatino. Featuring Nikki Armstrong, Julie Sax, Steve Johnson, Ben Beckley,Rex Perry, David Abercrombie, Gary Bivona and Steve Sadd. Doors open at 7 Show starts at 8 pm two sets, $10 at the door, plenty of parking, street and lots in front and back ($1 until 9 pm then free). So bring your friends, date, parents and any funk, soul, rock and Rhythm & Blues lovers! We gonna knock you out! Bar and some food and great tunes, sound and atmosphere. See you there!
Mama SpanX LIVE
Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, 4305 Degnan Blvd Suite 101, California 90008, Los Angeles
A full night of Mama SpanX and that means we are gonna SPANK you into the GROOVE all night long! We are excited to play this lovely venue in this new series with Jersy George! Featuring Nikki Armstrong, Julie Sax, Steve Johnson, Ben Beckley, Harlan Spector, David Abercrombie, Gary Bivona and Steve Sadd. Doors open at 7 Show starts at 8 pm two sets, $10 at the door, plenty of parking, street and lots in front and back ($1 until 9 pm then free). So bring your friends, date, parents and any funk, soul, rock and Rhythm & Blues lovers! We gonna knock you out! Bar and some food and great tunes, sound and atmosphere. See you there!
Mama SpanX LIVE and STREAMING!
Kulak's Woodshed, 5230 Laurel Canyon Blvd., North Hollywood, Ca 91607
S10 Suggested Admission, seating limited or donate on line! https://www.concertwindow.com/4937-kulak-s-woodshed-in-nort
Mama SpanX Show and World Class Jam
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Ventura Music , 11268 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California 91604
Get into the State of Groove with Mama SpanX LIVE! We will be playing song from the CD, our reditions of our favorite covers, new tunes and
SPECIAL GUEST BENNY CORTEZ
DOORS OPEN AT & 7:30, EVENT/Show starts at 8pm Food and wine and beer....musical opener at 8 pm and 9pm is Mama SpanX set. There is no cover and stay for the World Class Jam after our sets. Featuring Steve Johnson, Ben Beckley, Harlan Spector, Steve Sadd, Russ Mullen, David Abercrombie, Julie Sax and Nikki Armstrong.
Parking across street for a few bucks...
JOIN US IN THIS GREAT PERFORMANCE VENUE IN DTLA! VIETNEMESE-VEGETARIAN
Early Holiday Party and show/jam with Mama SpanX special guests and friends! $15/pp cover $20 per couple and receive free signed copy of STATE of GROOVE! R&B, FUNK & SOUL NIGHT! Mama SpanX LIVE Holiday Celebration!
An evening of original “old school” R&B, Funk & Soul with Special Guests & Jam! "If you revel in the soul-funk-pop of the likes of Tower of Power, James Brown and Sly & The Family Stone, you will find much to appreciate here." Blues Blast Magazine http://mamaspanx.com/ 818 599 3292 FOR RESERVATIONS HIGHLY RECOMMENED!!! Tickets:http://www.saturdaynightjazzdtla.com/events-tickets
Mama SpanX LIVE plus World Class Jam
Ventura Music , 11268 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California 91604
Get into the State of Groove with Mama SpanX LIVE! We will be playing song from the CD, our reditions of our favorite covers, new tunes and special guests, too, There is no cover and stay for the World Class Jam after our sets. Featuring Steve Johnson, Ben Beckley, Harlan Spector, Steve Sadd, David Abercrombie, Julie Sax, Russ Mullens and Nikki Armstrong.
Mama SpanX Show w/ guests & World Class Jam!
Ventura Music , 11268 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, California 91604
Get into the State of Groove with Mama SpanX LIVE! We will be playing song from the CD, our reditions of our favorite covers, new tunes and special guests, too, There is no cover and stay for the World Class Jam after our sets. Featuring Steve Johnson, Ben Beckley, Harlan Spector, Steve Sadd, David Abercrombie, Julie Sax and Nikki Armstrong.
Get your GROOVE on with Mama SpanX LIVE! An “OLD SCHOOL” Funky dance & listening party! Featuring Nikki Armstrong, Steve Sadd, Julie Sax, Steve Johnson, Harlan Spector, David Abercrombie, Ben Beckley And Special Guests! JOE’S GREAT AMERICAN BAR & GRILL NO COVER –GREAT AMERICAN FOOD AND SPIRITS
Mama SpanX
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Holiday Inn Media Center Casting Call Nightclub, 150 E. Angeleno,, Burbank, California 91502
Mama SpanX performing for ya! Come out and hear this fun funky group playing a night of groovin' dance tunes! Featuring Harlan Spector, Julie Sax, Steve Johnson, Steve Sadd, David Abercrombie, Ben Beckley and Nikki Armstrong and Special guest John Beedo Dzubak! No Cover in Casting Call Lounge, cool venue on first floor of the beautiful Burbank Holiday Inn
