Oscar Darden - “O. D” (Saxophone) is the lead instrumentalist in the group. He is often revered as the crowd favorite. Oscar has a unique propensity for evaluating the groove and then creating a blend of melodic interpretations that complement the ensemble. His influence began with his father in the basement of the family home. By listening to the likes of James Brown, Grover Washington and Parliament, Oscar developed his ear and became an advanced musician at an early age. His formal training was enhanced in high school where he was recognized as one of the top jazz soloist in the country. He later earned a scholarship to Northern Illinois where he studied jazz performance under Columbia recording artist Steve Duke.
Aaron Lockhart “Sergeant” (Keyboard) – is the epitome of organization and discipline. His leadership is visually apparent during each band rehearsals. Extremely detail oriented, Aaron is the driving force behind the musical precision of Funkshunal Groove. In addition to his gospel foundation, Aaron’s musical repertoire reflects affiliations with a vast array of genres such as Jazz, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop and Pop Latino. His creativity, organization and leadership skills are just minute aspects of his character and reflect only a partial insight into his overall capability and range of musical talent.
Ray Paschal (Lead & Rhythm Guitar) is unequivocally one of the most gifted and creative musicians in the Chicago land area. His creativity can be heard from the onset of the group’s original ballads. Ray’s sanctuary is on stage behind his guitar. His genius is quite infectious; most of the band’s original compositions are the result of his musical vision. His ingenuity is not restricted to just on stage performances. Despite his extremely regimented schedule; remarkably, Ray still finds time to design creative, marketable websites and record new music in his home studio.
Cameron Dantley "The Groove Regulator” (Drums) - Extremely gifted, Cameron is one of the original members of Funkshunal Groove. His inherent connection to music began in church. As the son of a pastor and minister of music, Cameron’s spiritual growth essentially paralleled his musical development. He further enhanced his musical proficiency by playing with various jazz combos, university bands and chapel choirs at the prestigious Lee University. Cameron’s professional music background is also quite impressive. He played with artists such as EMI, Gospel artist Darwin Hobbs, William McDowell and Sam Connolly. He recently toured Switzerland and Germany with singer/ song writer Troy Bell and Phil Stacy (American Idol-6)
Walter Downing “6’9” (Bass Guitar) is the newest member of the group. He is an English teacher and a Guitar Club sponsor at a west suburban high school. He has performed all over the Chicago land area with respected R&B, Blues and Funk bands. His musical development is a blend of original thinking and syncopated sophistication. Walter recognized his band-mates musical excellence immediately. “I see the members of Funkshunal Groove as amusing, entertaining and melodically astute. I’m thrilled to be part of this band, and equally as excited about our future as a solid corporate entertainment entity.”