Liquid Monk has become a name in the Detroit music scene synonymous with instrumental virtuosity, genre bending creativity, and energetic live performances. Integrating an array of live instrumentation alongside electronics, the group has redefined how organic and electronic elements can blend to bring the excitement of a live band along with the texture and dance groove of a producer or DJ.
Their debut EP, “Yaga”, was released in 2015 and took the group into Michigan’s jam and live electronic scene. The release had a unique blend of fiery jazz fusion, lush synthesizers and pounding live electronica. This led to performances alongside acts like Quantic, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, GOSH PITH and Aqueous at well known clubs and festivals in Michigan including Ann Arbor Summer Festival Top Of The Park, Dally In The Alley, Metro Times Blowout, The Loving Touch, Cliff Bell’s, The Loft and many more.
In 2016, Liquid Monk continued expanding in the Detroit music community and connected with talented vocalists and rappers. With a diverse pool of lyricists, they realized a vision of merging their jazz and fusion roots with electronic music and the vocal power of pop, hip hop and R&B. The band acts as a producer showcasing the unique talents of each collaborator while also creating a sonic landscape that can only be described as Liquid Monk. Their upcoming self titled debut LP is due out on September 22nd via Beverly Martel Records.
Glide is thrilled to premiere the video for Liquid Monk’s lead single “On The Rocks” (below) featuring Jaye PRIME and HuGo BiGGS off the self titled debut LP. The songs combines shades of tight acid jazz and funk over a modern hip hop flair that is poignantly cool. The grooves of Jamiroqui mixed with the bravado of Alicia Keys, gives Liquid Monk the lead in a much needed funk fusion acid jazz revival.
“‘On The Rocks’ came together organically after a few rehearsals last summer,” says Dan Gruszka (guitar, synth, electronics). “We laid the instrumental at Detroit’s High Bias Recordings and reached out to Jaye Prime about a collaboration. Before we even knew she was interested, she sent a full sketch of the tune. We were all blown away, it was a definite turning point in the creation of this upcoming LP.”
