Gramps The Vamp is a genre-bending instrumental ensemble that has been exploring the dark corners of heavy groove-based music since 2011. Corralling its eclectic influences (funk, world fusion, surf-rock, jazz, psychedelia, heavy metal, avant-garde) with a unifying retro-cinematic aesthetic, Gramps The Vamp weaves tight grooves, wild experimentation, and lush melodies together into a post-apocalyptic dance party.  

 

Gramps The Vamp released its debut self-titled LP, produced by Orgone’s prolific leader, Sergio Rios (Los Angeles), in 2014. This sample-laden avant-funk album established the Chicago-based group both as a mainstay in the city’s robust funk-jazz scene, and as a group of renegades intent on breaking the mold of the genre. Experimentation continued for its 2016 sophomore effort, The Cave of 10,000 Eyes, a 70’s B-horror-film-inspired concept album that was recently added to the list of “Best Chicago Albums of the Decade” by the Chicago Reader. The seven-piece released its third record “Keeper of the Void” in October 2020, their most experimental and ambitious work yet, which was voted runner-up for Best Local Album of the Year in the Chicago Reader.

 

Gramps The Vamp has performed in 18 US States and has shared the stage with international touring acts like Alma Afrobeat Orchestra, Red Baraat and Good Enough for Good Times. The ensemble has been featured in two films on the US festival circuit (Demonoid 1971 and Call Me Brother), the latter of which stars SNL cast member Andrew Dismukes. In 2017, Gramps The Vamp also branched into live scoring, performing band leader Maxx McGathey’s score to Nosferatu, commissioned by the Chicago Park District.