Pimps Of Joytime Gives Artown A Hand With This Funk

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

There are few genres of music in this world that could keep me going for a lifetime and funk is one of them. I could return to it over and over and never get tired of it. Funk in its umbrella of influences, from disco to blues, soul to jazz, is one of the most diverse sections of music that I know of. There’s flavors for every palette, a song for every mood, but one prevailing theme remains — joy. 

The first time I saw Pimps Of Joytime was at the Hangtown Music Festival in 2018. It was one of my first festivals, but it was my first introduction to the colorful world of funk. With a packed lineup including Midtown Social, Five Alarm Funk and Jelly Bread, to say that event was memorable would be an understatement. I remember watching YouTube videos of Pimps Of Joytime before the trip, eager to see them play live, and I wasn’t disappointed.

Almost three years and a vinyl or two later, Pimps Of Joytime still graces my daily playlists. When I heard they were coming to Reno for Artown, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

To describe the bands’ performance would be like trying to describe the beauty of life. They started out with some slower blues beats, sultry and smokey like the sunset dipping behind the hills of Rancho San Rafael. I was worried the show would get cancelled due to smoke from area wildfires, but much to my surprise, some rain creeped in to cool us off, and so did Pimps Of Joytime’s sweet melodies.

I had the honor of speaking with lead guitarist and vocalist, Brian J. about the inspiration behind the impeccably crafted music of Pimps Of Joytime.

“Funk has the groove, which is a thing that makes the soul and the body feel good, sometimes it’s like a puzzle,” he said, “It’s even better than a puzzle because if it fits too perfectly it’s kind of sterile, so the way that it kinda flows and moves, it’s a very blissful type of feeling, and it really all comes together.”

As the night continued, the bands’ talent — which I can attest to from many a show — became apparent. With flying guitar solos, groovy keys, fiery drumming and sonorous euphony from the sousaphone, it was harder to stay seated than it was to get up and dance. Attendees of all ages were on their feet embracing the fun and joy that is this soul group.

Brian J. would describe their music as “the sound wave... human soul representation of the movement of the universe.” 

By the encore, people had left their assigned seating at the park and were gathered toward the front of the stage, wild spirits letting loose under the gleaming lights. This isn’t the first time the Pimps have knocked it out of the water — Brian J. tells me once at a prior show in Austin, their crowd literally “broke the dance floor.” 

If other genres of music encompass a mood of life — funk has always struck me with happiness, glee and a pinch of humble silliness. With more songs and performances on the way, you won’t want to miss the next time these guys roll into town, because they truly embody everything that makes soul and funk great. When you combine authentically gifted artistry with the down-to-earth charisma of good people, which you can tell they are, Pimps Of Joytime brings joy wherever they go.

“The message is to keep a place in your heart open for music to do its magic,” Brian J. said. He says the band will, “Keep ascending and keep getting better, writing better songs and just feel better.”

To listen to Pimps Of Joytime, visit their Spotify profile here.

To see their tour dates, visit this link here.