The Blue Note on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California has been open less than three months, but they have already built a reputation for booking outstanding talent. Add Ghost-Note to the list of formidable artists that have graced the Blue Note stage. The funk based, genre fluid collective completed a two-night residency at the new club on November 5, 2025. The band moved effortlessly between funk, jazz fusion, hip hop, soul and gospel during their two sets on Wednesday the 5th , pleasing a packed house of fans in the comfortable, intimate venue.
Ghost-Note formed in 2015 and are led by the Grammy winning percussion duo also known for their work with Snarky Puppy, Robert “Sput” Searight, and Nate Werth. Werth did not appear at the Blue Note gigs, but other core members of Ghost-Note including bassist Justin “Jay McK” McKinney, vocalist MacKenzie, keyboard player Dominique “Xavier” Taplin, guitarist Peter Knudsen, alto sax & flute player Jonathan Mones and baritone sax player Sylvester Onyejiaka were on stage for the Blue Note shows. The band often adds additional players from the worlds of jazz, hip hop, funk, pop and rock. During the Wednesday show, trombonist Daniel Wytanis, tenor sax player DeVaughn Durham and trumpeter John Michael Bradford supplemented the amazing horn section. Guest vocalists Robert Ahrel Lumzy (Grammy winner from D’Angelo’s Vanguard) and Treena Ferebee joined in for the gospel segments of the show.
The band played a diverse mix of music including originals and inspiring covers. Sput acted as MC, stirring up the crowd, identifying songs and band members while pounding out impressive beats. The first set included some original material including “JB’s Out,” a song obviously inspired by James Brown. MacKenzie delivered the call and response vocals with Sput, Xavier and Peter Knudsen handling harmonies as the synchronized horns blasted away. Sylvester Onyejiaka was featured with a husky baritone sax riff on an instrumental tune called “Origins.” “Mustard and Onions,” the title track from their 2024 album, included funky solos by Knudsen and Bradford.
Sput introduced the “Holy Ghost-Note” section of the show, explaining that several members of the band came from a gospel church background and enjoy paying homage to that music style. He brought out vocalists Robert Ahrel Lumzy and Treena Ferebee to enhance the gospel segment as Knudsen sang lead vocals for “One Day in Paradise.” Ferebee took over during a raucous version of Stevie Wonder’s, “Have a Talk with God.” Her incredibly powerful, soulful voice and impressive range led the band while MacKenzie, Lumzy, Sput and Knudsen harmonized. The gospel energy continued as MacKenzie took over for an up-tempo singalong with help from Lumzy and Ferebee that included another fast-fingered, soaring Bradford trumpet solo.
Photos courtesy of Andy J Gordon ©2025
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The second set featured more funk and gospel infused journeys. “Be Somebody” included a mesmerizing Danny Wytanis trombone solo over a rapid-fire drum, bass and organ riff. Xavier handled lead vocals for The Headhunters’ “God Made me Funky” with vocal support from Lumzy and Ferebee. Near the end of the song, Sput went off on an incredible rapid-fire drum improvisation. Lumzy took over with a very soulful and passionate “Peter, Paul and John.” Ferebee did another take of her incredible version of “Have a Talk with God” and Jonathan Mones was featured during “Bad Knees,” a mostly instrumental, fast funk romp. They finished the show with Jay McK pumping out an infectious bass beat on “Phatbacc,” another original composition that has a distinctive James Brown vibe. MacKenzie and Sput chanted over the fast, funky rhythms and the horn section did tight, coordinated fills. The entire band was on fire and the song sounded like an updated JB romp with elements of Prince mixed in.
Ghost-Note is on the road through the remainder of 2025 and will be back in Los Angeles for a special New Year’s Eve show at The Mint. This is a hot band that sounds incredibly tight on their albums, but really has to been seen live to get the full effect of their unique talent. Go to their website for tour details and ticket links.
Photos courtesy of Andy J Gordon ©2025
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IG: andyjgordon1
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