How Now Brown Cow - Seattle Jazz Band

How Now Brown Cow, a staple of the Seattle music scene, has been captivating audiences in the Pacific Northwest with their unique blend of funk-infused jazz for over 15 years. This talented ensemble features a dynamic rhythm section of long-time bandmates, including founding member Dave Kurtiak on bass and Donovan Pfeifer on drums, alongside the ear-catching Kerry O'Connor on Fender Rhodes and keyboards. They often collaborate with Brad Schrandt (sax/flute), adding to the band's rich sound. Renowned for their signature style, How Now Brown Cow performs all-original instrumental music that marries jazz and funk, showcasing a compelling mix of creativity and musicality that solidifies their place in Seattle's vibrant music community. Their spontaneous compositions echo the influences of vintage acts like The Brand New Heavies, Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters, Average White Band, Tower of Power, and The Meters, while also drawing comparisons to modern groups such as Lettuce, Snarky Puppy, Scary Pockets, Vulfpeck, Galactic, and Medeski, Martin and Wood. 

What reviewers are saying:  

"What I like most about this record is that it understands vibe and musicianship are not opposites. It’s funky without trying too hard to be 'funky,' which is much harder to pull off than most people realize. This is an album absolutely worth checking out..."  

- Michael Venn, Soundwaves  

"How Now Brown Cow embraces spontaneity and raw musical chemistry on the electrifying live release, 'Don’t Drink the Milk It’s Spoiled (Live).' Completely improvised and driven by instinct, the track(s) captures the unpredictable excitement that only genuine live performance can create."  

- Honk Magazine  

"Composing music can be a difficult process, especially writing a catchy song with broad appeal. The four musicians in the Seattle instrumental group How Now Brown Cow are making it look easy... There’s no better way to learn the art of jazz than in the improvisation, communication, and cooperative spirit of these musicians putting their egos aside and creating a greater whole."  

- Abe Beeson, KNKX 88.5 FM  

"Despite the playfulness of the band name and song titles, in addition to having a great deal of fun playing, they are serious musicians and this is seriously good music. This is a band on the level of like-minded but better-known acts like Lettuce and Snarky Puppy."  

- Don Ball, AllAboutJazz  

"Absolutely love your record, thank you for your great music."  

- Planet Jazz FM  

"How Now Brown Cow transform their eccentric melodic sensibility into something strangely seductive and immersive."  

- NagaMag.com

Born in Bayonne, NJ, into a musical family, it was no surprise when Dave picked up the bass at age 13. He played in various heavy metal and hard rock bands before being introduced to jazz, developing a percussive right-hand playing technique that is more crucial to his sound than any bass, effect, or amp he uses. Now residing in Seattle, Dave has shifted his focus to improvised music, especially within the underground jazz and funk scene in Seattle. With a funky, groovy style that showcases a voice all his own, Dave’s playing is featured prominently with and as the leader of How Now Brown Cow.

How Now Brown Cow, a staple of the Seattle music scene, has been captivating audiences in the Pacific Northwest with their unique blend of funk-infused jazz for over 15 years. This talented ensemble features a dynamic rhythm section of long-time bandmates, including founding member Dave Kurtiak on bass and Donovan Pfeifer on drums, alongside the ear-catching Kerry O'Connor on Fender Rhodes and keyboards. They often collaborate with Brad Schrandt (sax/flute), adding to the band's rich sound. Renowned for their signature style, How Now Brown Cow performs all-original instrumental music that marries jazz and funk, showcasing a compelling mix of creativity and musicality that solidifies their place in Seattle's vibrant music community. Their spontaneous compositions echo the influences of vintage acts like The Brand New Heavies, Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters, Average White Band, Tower of Power, and The Meters, while also drawing comparisons to modern groups such as Lettuce, Snarky Puppy, Scary Pockets, Vulfpeck, Galactic, and Medeski, Martin and Wood. 

What reviewers are saying:  

"What I like most about this record is that it understands vibe and musicianship are not opposites. It’s funky without trying too hard to be 'funky,' which is much harder to pull off than most people realize. This is an album absolutely worth checking out..."  

- Michael Venn, Soundwaves  

"How Now Brown Cow embraces spontaneity and raw musical chemistry on the electrifying live release, 'Don’t Drink the Milk It’s Spoiled (Live).' Completely improvised and driven by instinct, the track(s) captures the unpredictable excitement that only genuine live performance can create."  

- Honk Magazine  

"Composing music can be a difficult process, especially writing a catchy song with broad appeal. The four musicians in the Seattle instrumental group How Now Brown Cow are making it look easy... There’s no better way to learn the art of jazz than in the improvisation, communication, and cooperative spirit of these musicians putting their egos aside and creating a greater whole."  

- Abe Beeson, KNKX 88.5 FM  

"Despite the playfulness of the band name and song titles, in addition to having a great deal of fun playing, they are serious musicians and this is seriously good music. This is a band on the level of like-minded but better-known acts like Lettuce and Snarky Puppy."  

- Don Ball, AllAboutJazz  

"Absolutely love your record, thank you for your great music."  

- Planet Jazz FM  

"How Now Brown Cow transform their eccentric melodic sensibility into something strangely seductive and immersive."  

- NagaMag.com