PO BOYZ

PO BOYZ are a soulful gumbo of sounds, fearless souls and spirits. They bring the sound of New Orleans to each and every show with their original down ‘n dirty blend of bayou funk/rock, with tinges of gospel, country and Latin influence. PO BOYZ newest release Country Funk (Positive Records, 2010) hit #4 on Jambands.Com radio charts in early 2011 earning several nods from critics and buzz among the jam and funk community. Their songs assert themselves with high energy and positive feeling that has become their signature vibe and sound - it has also gained them the attention of national promoters who have put them on the stage with many of the top associated acts. If the name doesn’t ring a bell it’s time to get up to speed, PO BOYZ is the best party in town and they’re coming to a venue near you.

PO BOYZ have been described as "dirty, deliciously gritty Southern funk" as well as “Boston’s funkiest organ trio” by 88.9 WERS FM Radio. PO BOYZ have performed many festivals and shows since their inception in 2005 and have been blessed enough to perform with Karl Denson, George Porter, Trombone Shorty and Sam Kininger from Soulive.
PO BOYZ are led by keyboardist/vocalist Keith Hollis who worked as pianist and Hammond Organist for Grammy Award winning and Rock and Roll Hall of fame singer Solomon Burke until his untimely passing in October 2010. Guitarist/vocalist Andrew Wagley’s six-string assault brings to mind the exploratory jams of Jerry Garcia with the atomic punch of Duane Allman’s slide work. Rounding out the lineup drummer/vocalist Buzzy Mannion shed himself of whatever stereotypes you have heard about “shy drummers” by wielding an assertive stage presence, bringing to mind the tight snare drum rhythms of The Meters’ Zigaboo Modeliste. Mannion’s beat crunching can be counted on to get your adrenalin pumping.

PO BOYZ first show was played to a packed house on Frenchman Street during the 2005 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Since then the trio has opened for some great artists including Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Karl Denson (of Greyboy Allstars fame), Porter, Batistie and Shultz – feat. George Porter of The Meters, Otis Grove, Russ Lawton and Ray Paczkowski of the Trey Anastasio Band, as well as Soulive sax player Sam Kininger. PO BOYZ’s headlining performances have included the Chicken Box in Nantucket, MA; San Francisco’s Boom Boom Room; Harpers Ferry in Boston, as well as a sold out gig with Marco Benevento of the Benevento/Russo Duo. PO BOYZ are currently holding down a weekly Saturday night residency at The Middle East Club in metro Boston, MA.

Reviewing their CD release party at The Middle East, Ziggy Steiner of Boston’s 88.9FM WERS said the PO BOYZ “were both audibly and visibly infectious as the crowd, packed into the venue like sardines in a can, rocked back and forth in sync with the funky country-jamming. By the end of the first song, Po Boyz had the entire audience captivated.”

A recent album review on WERS.org said, “Hollis' spiraling Hammond organ calls for beads to be thrown from windows, which hit the hot asphalt and give way to Mannion's quick and compact drumming… much of the album's up-beat music is given a cool contrast by both Wagley and Hollis' singing. The PO BOYZ can adapt to the styles they're playing as they even out the scales. Country Funk is truly country funk.”