New beginnings for Chafo
Cristalyne Bell
Issue date: 3/10/10 Section: Entertainment
It is hard to imagine that what started out as The Hugo Reynolds Birthday Bash in 2006 is now the evolutionary funk beat that recently opened for the nationally recognized Sublime tribute band, 40 oz to Freedom. Chafo, as it is now known, is a Madison based band that can regularly be seen jamming at many local venues such as the High Noon Saloon and Argus.
Though classified as a jam band from the beginning, Chafo has endured through Madison's constant musical transitions and made a unique name for itself. They have seen numerous members come and go; starting as a strict four-piece band they have grown as large as a nine-piece.
The band has come a long way and evolved spectacularly. They even managed to reunite after dissolving for seven months while two key members spent time in South America, said original drummer and band manager Hugo Reynolds. Despite that, their music sounds better than ever.
Their success is due to their passion in life, as well as music. According to Reynolds, Chafo's goal is "positivity through music by bringing people and musicians together and making them dance and smile…because life is great and music is a bonus."
At a recent show, which was held at the Majestic, the band easily accomplished this goal. In addition, the show may also be the beginning of a new era for the band as they bid farewell to original bass player, Brian Zimmerman. His departure leaves Chafo with only two of the original four band members.
The first to depart in early 2009 was original guitar player, Brian Goetz. The band faired well enough without Goetz, so Zimmerman isn't concerned about the band's continued success once he is gone. Goetz has been known to make appearances in the band while passing through town and Zimmerman plans to do the same.
Leaving Chafo "is the one thing I will miss the most about leaving Madison," Zimmerman said. For him, Chafo is "a bunch of people who are passionate about playing good music and making people move," as well as, "a place to unwind and rejuvenates because funk recharges the soul."
Though classified as a jam band from the beginning, Chafo has endured through Madison's constant musical transitions and made a unique name for itself. They have seen numerous members come and go; starting as a strict four-piece band they have grown as large as a nine-piece.
The band has come a long way and evolved spectacularly. They even managed to reunite after dissolving for seven months while two key members spent time in South America, said original drummer and band manager Hugo Reynolds. Despite that, their music sounds better than ever.
Their success is due to their passion in life, as well as music. According to Reynolds, Chafo's goal is "positivity through music by bringing people and musicians together and making them dance and smile…because life is great and music is a bonus."
At a recent show, which was held at the Majestic, the band easily accomplished this goal. In addition, the show may also be the beginning of a new era for the band as they bid farewell to original bass player, Brian Zimmerman. His departure leaves Chafo with only two of the original four band members.
The first to depart in early 2009 was original guitar player, Brian Goetz. The band faired well enough without Goetz, so Zimmerman isn't concerned about the band's continued success once he is gone. Goetz has been known to make appearances in the band while passing through town and Zimmerman plans to do the same.
Leaving Chafo "is the one thing I will miss the most about leaving Madison," Zimmerman said. For him, Chafo is "a bunch of people who are passionate about playing good music and making people move," as well as, "a place to unwind and rejuvenates because funk recharges the soul."
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