Muscle Tough

Muscle Tough is Philadelphia’s premier Futuristic Funk Fusion trio, with a sound that is a heavily improvised blend of modal jazz, funk, and psychedelia. Drawing from a widely diverse set of influences and a common love of sonic texture, their unique use of sound design and group-minded improvisation allows them to create eclectic original compositions, as well as stretch classic pop hits to new depths. In 2018 the band had notable opening slots for artists such as Lotus at the Capitol Theater, toured throughout the Northeast supporting Matador Soul Sounds, performed on WXPN’s “Free-at-Noon” radio broadcast, and had a feature article in JUMP Philly, where they were lovingly described as “highly skilled and hilarious”. They have had guest appearances on stage by jam luminaries such Jon Fishman (Phish), John Medeski (Medeski, Martin & Wood), Eli Winderman (Dopapod), and the horn section of Snarky Puppy. In the Spring of 2016 the band released their first EP, "Greasin’ Up The Mediocrity Wheel", and their first full-length record "Magical Achievements" was released at the end of 2017. Their latest release, Modern Romance (available 2/14/19), is a set of adventurous instrumental compositions which lean heavily on dance grooves and bizarre sounds, all with tongue- in-cheek titles that serve as a playful take on the world of modern dating in 2019. After a decade of touring all over the country with Dopapod, guitarist/vocalist Rob Compa has finally taken the plunge and put his own project together. Don't let the singular name moniker fool you, though. Make no mistake: this trio is very much a collaboration. By enlisting the talents of bassist Pat Markley and drummer Dan Ryan, these three musicians have all thrown their distinct creative input into the collective pot, creating a polyglot sound of lyrical songwriting, well crafted instrumentals, and raw improvisation. Rob is poised to release his debut solo album "Same Damn Thing" in 2019, which features Pat Markley on bass, his Dopapod brother Eli Winderman on keys, and drummers Michelangelo Carubba (Turkuaz) and Russ Lawton (Trey Anastasio Band/Soule Monde).