Learn about the members of BeaufunK

William Allums, drummer extraordinaire, has roots in the New Orleans music tradition, his family hailing from the region. Particularly in the areas of gospel, R&B, and funk, Allums has become a frequently mentioned name in conversations about most desired drummers in the Bay Area. Having also had long history with artists such as Zydeco Flames, Andre Thierry, and The Larry James Band, Allums’ footing in the Louisiana and Oakland traditions is well established and is a quintessential fit for the BeaufunK sound.

Incredible lead vocalist Keith Brown has been a part of Bay Area

Music for more than twenty years. His beginnings in the professional arena included work with Envogue producers Thomas McElroy and Denzel Foster. Chosen specifically by bassist Timm Walker to front the project, there is a very high standard for vocal presence to be upheld in the group. Brown fills that criteria and far beyond.

Founding member Ian Lamson (guitarist) began his professional

music career with The Ed Earley Band. When Elvin Bishop saw Lamson playing a nightclub with Ed Earley, he was quickly hired to tour with The Elvin Bishop Band. During his nine-year tour of duty with Elvin, Lamson: besides playing along side an arsenal of notable musicians, recorded 3 albums (including, “That’s My Partner”, which won a Cammy), and gained notoriety in the Bay Area as well as around the world as one of the most unique and versatile guitar players on the planet.. He brings an undeniable and unforgettable performance edge to the BeaufunK mix

Jim Peterson, saxophone extremist and back-up vocalist, recorded and toured with Mumbo Gumbo for over a decade. He now performs with Mitch Woods, Steve Lucky and many others, both stateside and on extensive European tours. Jim studied at Blue Bear School of Music (San Francisco, CA) & Berkelee College of Music (Boston, MA), and is currently teaching at Blue Bear.

Founding member Timm Walker (bassist/vocalist/writer) is an

original member of the Bay Area’s popular Zydeco Flames. His bass work is one reason why The Flames are known for having one of the tightest rhythm sections in the business. His performance credits would also include work with The Larry James Band, J.J. Malone, Sista Monica, and world renown gospel greats The Fantastic Violinaires. He has also been a core member of The Elvin Bishop Band. Timm recently completed the production and engineering of the first CD by BeaufunK, “Change Gone Come Fa Betta” as well as the most recent release by Zydeco Flames titled “Fire It Up”.

Influences:

BeaufunK is a concept to do with the marriage of Oakland and New Orleans funk styles. Of course, one could not responsibly mention the funk of Oakland without the naming of Oakland's funk majors, Tower of Power. It is with this style of precise musical punctuation and syncopated rhythms that BeaufunK will bring to the tried and true genre of New Orleans funk a difference that will set the unit apart from any other. In addition, one could not mention the funk of New Orleans without naming The Meters.

Story:

It was in the basement artist dressing room of B.B. Kings Blues Lounge in New York City that the sap of this project began seeping out into the universe. Founding members Timm Walker and Ian Lamson, after yet another memorable performance as members of the Elvin Bishop Band, were both mesmerized by the energy and anticipation by a now completely different audience to see the upcoming act, Ivan Neville. And when the music began, they both were transformed by the spirit and energy of the funk they heard. "It was rejuvenating and captivating. At the same time it was a little saddening because I was hearing the music of my roots but had no present project that allowed me to really funk! " says bass player Timm Walker. "It was fun running into my buddy Skerik (who was playing sax for Ivan) and hangin’ out with Dumpstaphunk. It just felt like coming home. I knew it would have a profound effect on my thinking!" It would seem it is not at all surprising that both Lamson and Walker subsequently left the Elvin Bishop Band and formed their own project. The likely choice of drummers, William Allums, also of Louisiana rooting, and having played with Walker for more than fifteen years with Zydeco Flames, eagerly joined the group and the team soon began on the journey toward greater funk. With the additions of fabulous lead vocalist Keith Brown, the sexy sax of Brian Copeland, and last but certainly not least, the versatile and talented Scott MacGill on keys, this group has the makings of a really special unit. Let it be known that in the years to come BeaufunK will be a formidable player in the traditions of New Orleans and Oakland funk.

For thirty plus years the name Lorenzo Hawkins has been synonymous with the highest level of keyboard performance in The Bay Area and beyond. His roots in gospel, rhythm and blues, jazz, and funk, Lorenzo has performed and recorded with world renown musicians such as Michael Jeffries, Jimmy McCracklin, Wilson Pickett, Tower of Power, Linda Tillery, Lenny Williams, Dwayne Wiggins, and Ledesi, as well as the incredible Hawkins gospel family of The Bay Area. The addition of Lorenzo to the BeaufunK mix has elevated an already dynamic group to a new level of performance and overall sound.