FUNK UPON A TIME...

Formed in 2002 to play a limited number of gigs, Retrospecticus was born with something few bands are gifted with - the freedom of absolutely nothing to lose. Everyone in the band already had jobs or gigs elsewhere and maintained busy performance schedules, and Retrospecticus was seen as a means to an end - a fun means, but a means nonetheless. That freedom produced an energy that quickly became so contagious that the band went from limited edition to perpetual motion in short order.

Moving forward through the Disco Galaxy with brief stops in the Soul Nebula, Retrospecticus continued playing through its first year. After a brief crew change in 2004, the band added the new and improved Interplanetary Funk Drive to the mothership and proceeded onward, expanding their repetoire of R&B, Motown, Disco, and Funk along the way.

Kate Lewis - vocals

During the formative years of the band, Kate Lewis was often known as "The Seventh Member of Retrospecticus" - how that works out with a 5-piece band is anyone's guess, but funk me if it doesn't work. Through international travels that have covered the Far East, Europe, the sub-continent, and Greenwich Village she developed a passion for singing and leaving large tips for waiters. Before becoming a full-time member of Retrospecticus, she claimed the Sixth Dimension as her residence for tax purposes and served as an advisor to several banana republic dictators.

Marcel Hamel - bass

Marcel, widely regarded as the LLP (Livin' Large Playah) of the group, balances time funkin' out with his studies at the Berklee School of Music. Through his studies in music with celebrated bassist Matt Garrison, he is known as "Young Grasshopper" for no particularly good reason. Although he has only been playing with Retrospecticus since 2004, there is talk that he might be in line for a promotion to Colonel of Boogie sometime in the next few months. Interesting fact about Marcel - he graduated high school at the age of 14 and then spent the next 4 years trying to re-create Greg's bachelor pad from The Brady Bunch.

Matthew Fogg - keyboards

After deciding that a career in animal husbandry just wasn't his bag, Matt began studying music. After studying under some of the foremost musicians and academics on the Planet Earth (if not the entire East Coast), he embarked upon successful musical career as a soloist, arranger, accompanist, and band leader. Believed to be the most successful pianist to ever conduct a Jewish youth choir, he spends his free time relaxing in his own personal dimension that was once leased by Sly Stone. When not groovin' with Retrospecticus, Matt performs and records on his own - all of which you can learn about at his personal website, www.MattFogg.com.

Mike Derosier - guitar

Some people are born with Funk and others have it thrust upon them... Mike came aboard the Retrospecticus mothership in 2004 and has been a vital member of the crew ever since. Initially a self-taught guiatr savant, he has also studied under several professional guitarists over the years, inclduing the Dalai Lama. Before finding his way to the band, he played with various R&B and jazz groups while at the same time pursuing his passion for heavy metal mandolin.

Shawn Boissonneault - drums

Although he lists being awarded "Most Likely To Climb Mount St. Helens From The Inside" from his high school class by the narrow margin of one-tenth of a vote (long story), most people know him as a pretty damn good drummer. Once compared to Keith Moon solely on the basis of shoe size, Shawn has been a member of several rock, jazz, and R&B ensembles along with the Phil Rich Swing Band and the Jason Spooner Band. In whatever free milliseconds he has during the course of a day, Shawn amuses himself by giving private percussion instruction and sparring with Chuck Norris.