Wurk at Kathy’s Pub

Wurk is a funk-fusion group from Madison, WI, described by Isthmus Magazine as “summer-jam-perfect”. Their sound fills the gap between complexity and groove.

Biography
Wurk is a 7-piece funk-fusion group which formed in Madison, WI in 2016. Inspired by Snarky Puppy, Umphrey’s McGee, The Motet, Herbie Hancock, and many others; their innovative original songs and ambitious interpretations of popular covers offer an impressive multi-genre exploration of funk, jazz fusion, prog rock, reggae, and more. Described by Isthmus Magazine as “summer-jam-perfect”, their sound seeks to employ a musically educated tone; Wurk fills the gap between complexity and groove, impressing fans and keeping them dancing all night. The Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards recognized their rapid ascent to stardom in 2018 with the Breakthrough Artist of the Year Award; then only six months later Wurk won five more awards including the coveted 2019 MAMA Artist of the Year Award.

Max Morkri drives the band with his blend of solid grooving and intricate chops, which is coupled by Casey Seymour’s powerful bass lines to pull the band together. Frank Laufenberg (guitar) and Miles Morkri (electric piano) provide rhythmic and tonal complexity while filling the role as the principal songwriters and vocalists. Ryley Buchanan, the 2019 MAMA Synth Player of the Year, brings a unique layer of effects to the mix. Daniel Haschke (saxophones/flute) and Carl Hipenbecker (trumpet) top it off with impressive horn lines and effects. Most of Wurk’s members grew up in Mount Horeb, WI, just west of Madison; their shared background creates the band’s closeness and ability to communicate complicated ideas musically. Wurk released two EPs in 2017 (Wurk, Broken Disco) and a third in 2018 (The Devil’s Wurk), the latter of which receiving the 2019 MAMA Rock Album of the Year.

Awards
Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards:
2019 Artist of the Year
2019 Jazz Performer of the Year
2019 Rock Album of the Year (The Devil’s Wurk)
2019 Best Alternative Song (“Ambulance”)
2019 Best Pop/R&B Song (“Dealin’ with the Devil”)
2018 Breakthrough Artist of the Year

Musician Recognition:
Ryley Buchanan: MAMA 2019 Synth Player of the Year