The BAND
How Now Borwn Cow, a prominent band in the Seattle music scene, has been delivering their funk-infused jazz to audiences in the Pacific Northwest for over 15 years. This talented group features the dynamic rhythm section of long-time bandmates, including founding member Dave Kurtiak on bass and Donovan Pfeifer on drums, with the ear-catching Kerry O'Connor on fender rhodes and keyboards. Frequent collaborator Brad Schrandt (sax/flute) often joins the trio. Known for their signature sound, How Now Brown Cow plays all-original instrumental music that combines jazz and funk, showcasing a mix of creativity, talent, and musicality that has made them a staple in Seattle's vibrant music community. Their spontaneous compositions echo the styles of vintage groups like The Brand New Heavies, Herbie Hancock & The Headhunters, Average White Band, Tower of Power, and The Meters, as well as compared to modern acts 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... "
“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.”
“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, cooperative spirit of these musicians putting their egos aside and creating a greater whole.”
"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 bands like Lettuce and Snarky Puppy."
“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.”
The Players
Kerry O'Connor - Fender Rhodes & Keyboards
Kerry O'Connor is a Seattle-based musician and keyboardist best known for playing the Fender Rhodes and keyboards in the funk and jazz band How Now Brown Cow. Her band regularly performs improvised original instrumental music around the city.
Donovan Pfeifer - Drums
Donovan got his first drum kit at 13. It’s been nonstop since then. Bringing early influences of AM easy listening then Metallica then The Police and 80s Alternative, he dove into jazz. Now that versatility comes in handy across genres - from the improvised funk of How Now Brown Cow to the spacey rock of Sam Cobra to the quiet bebop combo in the corner pub. Donovan just likes to play. And learn. And play some more.
Dave Kurtiak - Bass
Born in Bayonne, NJ to a musical family, it was no surprise when Dave picked up the bass at age 13. Playing in various heavy metal and hard rock bands before being introduced to jazz, Dave developed a percussive right hand playing technique that has more to do with his playing than any bass, effect or amp he uses.
Now living in Seattle, Dave’s focus shifted to improvised music, primarily the underground jazz and funk scene in Seattle. Funky, groovy and a voice all his own, Dave’s playing can be heard with and leading How Now Brown Cow.
Brad Schrandt - Sax & Flute
My musical journey started at an early age. My earliest memories of music involve enjoying records with Mom & Dad, playing piano with Grandma, and hearing Grandpa play fiddle. Public school music programs supported my interest in music by providing a nurturing space to explore woodwinds, keyboard, and guitar. Colleges helped me attain a Master's degree in Jazz Studies and Improvised music. Years of performing many types and genres of music on multiple instruments in many different settings has made me melodically fluent, rhythmically accurate, and artistically interesting. Moving to the Pacific Northwest in the 90s, I became immersed in the community spirit and its creativity, ingenuity and art. It is an honor to play with some of the world's finest musicians.
I keep a busy teaching, performing, and studio schedule in the Pacific Northwest and serving as Professor of Music at South Puget Sound College.
The TRIO
When not performing with long-time collaborator Brad Schrandt, Dave, Don and Kerry perform as a trio and can be seen every 3rd Thursday at the Sea Monster Lounge in Seattle WA.
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Next Show
Thursday July 16th - Sea Monster Lounge
Seattle WA 7:30PM - No Cover 21+
Special guests:
Brad Schrandt (sax/flute) and Noah Goldberg (keys)