What do the people say about FUNKOPIA?

FUNKOPIA is Redtenbacher’s Funkestra’s 30th-anniversary album: ten original tracks shaped by long-standing musical relationships, live-in-the-studio sessions and a shared commitment to groove, detail and musical conversation.

Since its release, writers, broadcasters and listeners have responded to the record from several angles. Some have focused on the scale and colour of the arrangements. Others have picked up on the band’s independence, longevity and the way the music balances precision with energy.

Here are a few of the reviews and features that have meant the most to us.

“Never have either sounded more vibrant and vital than they do here.”

“Jazz has been with us a long time, and even funk has a career that stretches back many decades. But never have either sounded more vibrant and vital than they do here.”

Dave Franklin, The Big Takeover

Dave Franklin’s review explores the different worlds within FUNKOPIA, from the rock-edged opening of “The Lamb of Funk” to the atmosphere and detail of “Old Blood,” “Blood & Whiskey” and “Crowbar.”

Read Dave Franklin’s full review HERE.

“A testament to longevity, craft, groove and the enduring power of a band.”

“Funkopia is a testament: to longevity, to craft, to groove, and to the enduring power of a band that has never stopped refining its voice. It’s the sound of thirty years spent in pursuit of something meaningful, delivered with warmth, precision, and unmistakable soul.”

Daniel Meggitt, Music Crowns

FUNKOPIA marks three decades since the first Funkestra gathering at Berklee College of Music in 1995. This review recognised that the album is not simply an anniversary release. It is the result of a long-running creative network that continues to grow through new writing, fresh collaborations and live performance.

Read the full Music Crowns review HERE.

“Relaxed, confident and very much in their element.”

“Reaching thirty years as an independent band is no small feat, and Funkopia finds Redtenbacher’s Funkestra sounding relaxed, confident, and very much in their element.”

Nate, EARMILK

EARMILK highlighted the album’s warmth, cohesion and collaborative spirit. The review also singled out “Code 12” as an accessible entry point, with the guitar interplay between Tony Rémy and Mike Outram sitting alongside the rhythm section at the centre of the track.

Read the full EARMILK review HERE.

Selected for George Graham’s Best of 2025 Albums

FUNKOPIA was included in broadcaster and music journalist George Graham’s Best of 2025 Albums List.

That is a meaningful inclusion. Graham’s annual selection places the album among the records he considered especially notable from that year, alongside releases from artists including Alison Brown & Steve Martin, Lettuce, Mavis Staples and Midlake.

View George Graham’s Best of 2025 Albums List

Four stars from Marlbank

★★★★

Stephen Graham, Marlbank

Marlbank awarded FUNKOPIA four stars and placed the album within its wider jazz-funk lineage.

Read the Marlbank review HERE.

More FUNKOPIA reviews and press coverage

  • Dave Bedford, Ignite Music Magazine
    Read the review HERE
  • The Big Takeover — Dave Franklin
    Read the review HERE
  • TAGG Magazine
    Read the feature HERE
  • Music Crowns — Daniel Meggitt
    Read the review HERE
  • EARMILK — Nate
    Read the review HERE
  • Marlbank — Stephen Graham
    Read the four-star review HERE
  • George Graham’s Best of 2025 Albums
    View the list

Listen: 40 Minutes of Funk Talking About FUNKOPIA

For a deeper look behind the album, listen to 40 Minutes of Funk: a conversation about FUNKOPIA, the musicians involved, the band’s 30-year story, and the writing and recording process behind the record.

The conversation with host Michael B goes beyond the reviews. It looks at how the album developed through different sessions, collaborations and long-standing musical relationships.

In this FUNKOPIA podcast, Stefan Redtenbacher talks through the album’s origins, musicians and recording process.

Listen to 40 Minutes of Funk HERE.

Watch the FUNKOPIA videos

Several tracks from FUNKOPIA developed through Masterlink Sessions recordings, international collaborations and live-in-the-studio performances.

The FUNKOPIA video playlist includes performances and videos for “Code 12,” “The Lamb of Funk,” “Crowbar,” “Hi Länder” and more.

Watch the FUNKOPIA video playlist on YouTube HERE.

Read the FUNKOPIA story

FUNKOPIA did not arrive as one isolated project. Its tracks developed through writing sessions, horn arrangements, international collaborations and Masterlink Sessions recordings.

  • FUNKOPIA — 30th Anniversary Album READ
  • The Lamb of Funk — Collaboration at the Heart of FUNKOPIA READ
  • Crowbar — Funkestra x Horn House READ
  • Hi Länder — International Jazz Funk Collaboration READ
  • Old Blood — Funkestra x Horn House READ
  • The Funkestra “Birth Certificate” READ
  • The What Factor? – ft. Nigel Price, Tony Remy READ
  • The One True Coin READ
  • Code 12 READ
  • Fluffball READ
  • The Fool READ

Listen, buy vinyl or find your preferred platform

FUNKOPIA is available digitally, on streaming platforms and as a limited-edition translucent red vinyl LP.

Listen to or order FUNKOPIA HERE.

Thank you to every writer, broadcaster, listener and supporter who has spent time with the record. Independent music depends on that attention. Every review, playlist add, share, vinyl purchase and live audience helps us continue making the next chapter.