Jim Funnell’S Word Out

Led by pianist and composer Jim Funnell, the post-bop/ethno-jazz fusion group "Word Out" offers an eclectic, mixed repertoire of compositions. Playfully blossoming through colorful exchanges, their music draws from various traditions, near and far, in a true spirit of celebration. A breath of literary inspiration often permeates Jim's music as well: resonating with Rilke's perception of poetry, jazz composition and improvisation are understood as ideal vehicles for expressing infinite nuances of emotion. With Word Out, Jim has released three critically acclaimed albums (Word Out, Spirit of the Snail, and Live in Japan), a reggae/jazz single (Lesser Vice) with dub activist Umberto Echo, won the 2011 composition award at the Trophées du Sunside (Paris), and has performed internationally in venues and festivals such as ShapeShier Lab, Rockwood Music Hall (New York), Paris Music Festival, Sunset-Sunside, Improphile, Le Baiser Salé, Jazz à Vanves, Jazz de Mars, Jazz en Touraine (France), SOMETIME Kichijōji, JZ Brat, Royal Horse (Japan), and the Malta Jazz Festival.

Photo credits: © Chris Jennings, © saLeh roZati, © Marie-Elisabeth Rubin