“The band moves as a single organism, pivoting from bebop-inflected lines into deep funk grooves without breaking a sweat. Chemistry like this is not manufactured in a studio. It is earned.”
Dave Mattock
Funktap
Knucklebox is the follow‑up to Dave Mattock’s 2020 trio album Funktap, expanding the organ‑trio format into heavier grooves, deeper improvisation, and more adventurous sonic textures. The title refers to the “musical and technical puzzles” that define the record’s rhythmic and harmonic language.
Where Funktap blended traditional organ‑trio jazz with modern funk and fusion, Knucklebox pushes further — tighter grooves, more angular writing, and a harder edge shaped by years of live experimentation on the Philly jazz and jam‑band circuit.
RIYL:
Medeski Martin & Wood • Soulive • John Scofield Trio • Cory Henry • Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio • Snarky Puppy (groove side)
🎧 Track List
1. Knucklebox
2. JRO
3. Opening (Intro)
4. Halfsight
5. Don’t Touch Me (JRO Reprise)
6. Just the 214 of Us
7. Meld (Segue)
8. Bar Fight
Artist: Dave Mattock & Funktap
Album: Knucklebox
Release: March 7, 2025
Format: Digital + CD
Genre: Jazz / Organ Trio / Fusion / Jam‑Adjacent Groove
👥 Personnel
• Dave Mattock – Hammond SK2
• Jason Herrmann – Guitar
• Josh Orlando – Drums
Dave Mattock is a Philadelphia‑based keyboardist, organist, and pianist known for “dynamic performances and innovative compositions.” His career spans more than two decades across jazz, rock, and improvisational music. He has released four independent albums, including Funktap (2020) and 1300 West Norris (2022), and has been featured on recordings by Charlie Apicella, Jeanette Berry, Matt Galletti, and Tuk Fredericks.
He has held residencies at Time, Heritage, Slow Hand, and Nomad, and performed at Chris’, Ortlieb’s, South, Iridium, and Fat Cat. His writing credits include work for Jingle Punks, Big Barn, HBO, and the Audies.
