Funk + 1

Watch Funk + 1

  • 2017
  • 1 Season

Funk + 1 is a captivating show that explores music and the art of performance through the lens of Chris Funk, an accomplished musician and performer. The show, produced by Great Big Story, takes viewers on a journey that is part music documentary and part travelogue as Funk travels around the world to connect with other musicians and explore the unique sounds and rhythms of different cultures.

Throughout the series, Funk collaborates with musicians from a wide array of backgrounds and genres, including indie rock, jazz, and traditional world music. Each episode focuses on a particular location, such as New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro, and highlights the local music scene and the dynamic musicians who call the region home.

One of the aspects that makes Funk + 1 so compelling is the way in which it seamlessly weaves together music, culture, and storytelling. In each episode, viewers are drawn into the fascinating world of music through the stories and experiences of the featured musicians. For example, the show may explore the history of a particular instrument, such as the berimbau in Brazil, or delve into the cultural significance of a specific musical tradition, such as the jazz funeral procession in New Orleans.

The show also showcases the creative collaborations that emerge when musicians from different backgrounds come together. Viewers witness the magic that ensues when Funk and his guest musicians play off each other's talents and bring their diverse perspectives to the music-making process. Through these musical exchanges, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the universality of music and how it can bring people together across cultural and linguistic barriers.

In addition to its musical and cultural focus, Funk + 1 also features stunning visuals and cinematography. The show's production team truly captures the vibrant and colorful landscapes of each location, and the camera work highlights the energy and passion of the featured musicians. The result is a show that is as visually stunning as it is musically captivating.

Overall, Funk + 1 is an inspiring and engaging series that celebrates the power of music to connect people from around the world. Through its focus on collaboration, storytelling, and cultural exchange, the show offers viewers an immersive and unforgettable experience that is sure to leave them tapping their toes and humming a tune long after the final credits roll.

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Seasons
Portland's Godfather of Soul
6. Portland's Godfather of Soul
December 18, 2017
Over the course of his 40 years as an R&B musician, Ural Thomas has shared the stage with the likes of Mick Jagger, Otis Redding and James Brown. But instead of taking his talents to New York or Los Angeles, Thomas stayed true to his native Portland, Oregon, becoming a legendary figure within the city's blues scene.
Meet the Master of Hawaiian Cowboy Music
5. Meet the Master of Hawaiian Cowboy Music
December 11, 2017
Hawaii has a rich history of cowboy culture, played to the tune of a slack-key guitar. No one embodies it more than Leabert Lindsey, a fifth-generation Hawaiian cowboy, or "paniolo." Dating back to the arrival of Spanish cowboys in the 1800s, the soothing, sweet sounds of a slack-key guitar embody the heritage and everyday life of Hawaii's hardworking herdsmen.
The Hair Metal Singer Who Turned to Classical Music
4. The Hair Metal Singer Who Turned to Classical Music
December 3, 2017
In the '80s, Kip Winger and his band Winger were riding the top of the glam metal wave. But as the '90s rolled along, so came the rise of grunge, leaving bands like Winger in its wake. As Kip's world turned upside down, he pivoted to a new passion: mastering the art of classical composition. Now, Kip continues to hone his craft, writing music to wield entire orchestras.
The Lost Art of Playing Glass
3. The Lost Art of Playing Glass
November 27, 2017
Dean Shostak is one of the last true masters capable of playing the glass armonica-an enchanting instrument lost to time. First devised in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, the art of "playing glass" began to fade in popularity as musical fashions changed. Today, there are only eight glass armonica players left in the world.
The Blind Musician Preserving America's Original Black Music
2. The Blind Musician Preserving America's Original Black Music
November 20, 2017
Jerron "Blind Boy" Paxton is bringing back a bygone era. Inspired by the blues scene of the 1930s, the multi-instrumentalist virtuoso has become a master of forgotten music. He's on a mission to spread the genius of America's original black music-and being legally blind hasn't slowed him down at all.
The Amazing Folk Musician Playing Violin Like a Cello
1. The Amazing Folk Musician Playing Violin Like a Cello
November 13, 2017
You won't find another musician quite like Gaelynn Lea. Born with brittle bone disease, she invented a new way to play her instrument, holding her violin upright as one would a cello. Combining classical training with traditional Celtic sounds and a loop pedal, Lea has devised an entirely new style of music, bewitching the internet with her melancholic, haunting ballads.
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  • Premiere Date
    November 13, 2017