Our Story

After decades of recording and performing with jazz and R&B legends, the members of the jazz/funk group Somebody Tell Joe have crafted their own artistry with their debut album, “Scam Likely.”  At its core, their music represents the raw spirit of a long legacy of Philadelphia musicians, while encompassing an eclectic and sophisticated approach to contemporary jazz. 

 “Our music is centered around funk, but leans towards the progressive end of jazz with an eclectic mix of gospel, R&B, rock and other influences,” states Mike Kwas, keyboardist and producer of the group. Drummer Phil Lightfoot adds, ”We are musicians of diverse backgrounds who have come together to create one universal sound.”

All Philadelphia natives, Kwas and Lightfoot, along with saxophonist Louis Taylor and bassist, Stacey McGee, have a long list of artists to their resume, from Boyz to Men, Ginuwine, Sister Sledge and Kindred the Family Soul, to Stanley Clark, Grover Washington Jr., Donald Byrd and Jimmy Heath, to Cee Cee Peniston, Kool and the Gang, George Duke and Deniece Williams.  This collective experience gives them a unique chemistry.  “We have collectively lived multiple decades in music and have been schooled by others who came up in them,” offers Louis Taylor.  Stacey McGee adds,  “Just think of us as a variety store of jazz, all centered around funk...Brotherly Funk!”

Louis Taylor- sax 

Mike Kwas- keyboards/producer 

Stacey McGee- bass 

Phil Lightfoot -drums