Funk roots run deep - all the way to Hermosa Beach, California - where a group of some the most sought-after backup musicians in the business is creating a stir in a New Orleans-flavored funk band called Alligator Beach.
Cherry-picked by New York native Lance Keller, members of Alligator Beach have performed with Etta James, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, The Eurythmics, Tom Petty, Dr. Dre, Barry White, Ziggy Marley, Yes, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Stanley Clarke, Ringo Starr, Ray Charles, Maceo Parker, Kool and the Gang, Van Morrison, Keith Richards, Roger Daltry, Buddy Guy, Bob Weir, Levon Helm, Albert Lee, The Jacksons, Sister Sledge, Sheila E, Bo Diddley and Orgone.
After years of gigging as a trombone player, Keller reached out to other sideman pros he’d played with over the years and pulled together an “A-list” of world-class musicians that call themselves Alligator Beach. The band is a soul/funk party band that has a steady following on the West Coast, including a jam-packed residency at the iconic blues venue Harvelle’s in Santa Monica.
Their live show delivers serious heat, with a full horn section and lead singer Carol Hatchett belting NOLA-flavored arrangements of classic songs like the BeeGees “You Should Be Dancing”, sprinkled in with their own original material.
The band’s debut release, Throwin’ a Party, includes 9 original songs + a crowd-favorite cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” featuring Carol’s sizzling vocals over a swampy, sexy groove.