Proper Johnson

Proper Johnson (aka Funktioneers) is an 8 piece funk/soul orchestra from Bergen, Norway. As Beats Before Bars, Funktioneers was founded by Jørgen Hyldmo Jansen, Sveinung Nesheim and Simon Næsse. Proper Johnson is the signature artist at Beats Before Bars.

Since the start-up in 2002, Proper Johnson has been heavily inspired by the haunting grooves of early 70´s police tv-series themes and blaxploitation-soundtracks, creating instrumental cinematic funk/fusion retro style. Later, the funky James Brown and his legacy, as well as afro-beat, has also been influential.

Proper Johnson as Funktioneers has perfomed nation wide since 2003, from small club venues to large festival hallrooms and outdoor stages. Arrangers have booked Proper Johnson repeatedly, as Proper Johnson has proved to provide late night grooves and delight to a dance hungry audience. Several local and national notabilities have played with Proper Johnson, such as Maria Skranes (Machine Birds), Einar Sogstad (Miss Tati, Hordaland 80), Håvar Skaugen (Miss Tati) and Jan Kåre Hystad (Jan Kåre Hystad Kvartett).

Proper V is their debut album, a fortunate cooperation with producer Mark de Clive-Lowe and featured London artists Bembe Seque, Shea Soul and Baby Sol.

Proper Johnson is

Marianne Bråtun - trombone / Hans Christian Dahlgaard - drums / Audun Humberset - percussion

Jørgen Hyldmo Jansen - guitar / Sveinung Nesheim - bass guitar / Simon Næsse - keys

Stein Ove Vikebøe - trumpet / Øyvind Stømer - saxophones