Straphangin'
Straphangin’ | A Tribute to The Brecker Brothers & Beyond
Formed in 2019, Straphangin’ is a premier jazz fusion ensemble based in Denver, Colorado, dedicated to honoring and expanding the legacy of the legendary Brecker Brothers. Co-led by trumpeter/EVI player James Barela and saxophonist Doug Carmichael, Straphangin’ delivers an electrifying mix of high-energy fusion, deep soul, and genre-defying virtuosity—capturing the spirit and innovation first introduced by the Brecker Brothers in 1974.
The band takes its name from the greasy funk classic “Straphangin’”, and each performance pays tribute to the bold, genre-bending sound that defined the Breckers' career. From hard-hitting funk to intricate bebop lines, Straphangin’ offers a dynamic live experience filled with virtuosic solos, hip-shaking grooves, and aural enlightenment—a true nod to what the Breckers themselves called "Heavy Metal Bebop."
Repertoire
Straphangin’s setlist features iconic tunes by The Brecker Brothers—such as:
- Some Skunk Funk
- Funky Sea, Funky Dew
- Sponge
- Not Ethiopia
- Squids
- Song for Barry
- Straphangin’ (of course!)
…and more!
Their shows also include fusion classics from artists like:
- Herbie Hancock
- Mike Stern
- Steps Ahead
- Pat Metheny
- David Sanborn
- Miles Davis
- …and other masters of modern jazz fusion
The result? A show that’s both nostalgic and fresh, packed with grooves, grit, and groundbreaking improvisation.
The Band
Straphangin’ is composed of six of Denver’s most fearless and accomplished musicians:
- 🎺 James Barela – Trumpet / Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI)
- 🎷 Doug Carmichael – Saxophones & Woodwinds
- 🎸 Rich Benge – Guitar
- 🎹 DeAnn Dickinson – Keyboards
- 🎸 Byron Dudrey – Bass
- 🥁 Derek Swink – Drums
Together, they bring decades of professional experience across jazz, rock, funk, R&B, and beyond, delivering a tight, explosive sound that’s both technically stunning and deeply soulful.
The Legacy
The Brecker Brothers, Michael and Randy Brecker, revolutionized jazz starting in 1974 by blending jazz, rock, soul, funk, Latin, and world music into a new, genre-fluid form of expression. Their music influenced generations of musicians and continues to resonate in clubs, festivals, and concert halls around the world.
Straphangin’ proudly carries that torch—reintroducing audiences to the powerful music of the Breckers while pushing it into new territory with modern sounds and improvisational fire.