While most musicians are content to play with one particular group at a time, a small percentage constantly strive for more, joining along on any musical projects that they can. It’s difficult to earn a living through music, so playing in multiple projects can help to increase income somewhat. But an immense love of music is the key. Such is the case with trumpeter Chris Welter, a.k.a. C-Money.
Currently on tour to promote his group’s debut album, “The Rebirth of Hip-Hop,” C-Money and The Players Inc. will make an appearance on July 24 at Winston’s. Recorded live in Massachusetts, the CD succeeds in capturing the six-piece combo’s intense groove-filled music, making it the perfect introduction to Welter’s sound.
Based in Boston, Welter is best known today as a sideman with San Diego’s own Slightly Stoopid, joining the band on their meteoric rise which has seen them go from club dates to stadium shows ” all without the benefit of radio play. Though having musicians on opposite coasts is a less-than-ideal situation, it’s also a testament to his chops that the band is more than happy to put in the travel time to make such a union work.
Immersing himself in jazz, soul, reggae and hip-hop, Welter performs and records with numerous other artists as time permits, including Double Irie, Pressure Cooker, The Sim Redmond Band and others. However, he first came to national prominence when he joined jam band John Brown’s Body in the late ’90s.
Recording three albums for Shanchie Records, the band toured extensively, building a loyal following. They appeared in such films as “The Prince of Central Park” starring Steven Segal, and HBO thriller “Substitute 2,” selling out halls nationwide. Interacting with other musicians they met on the road, the band’s horn section soon found themselves touring with Slightly Stoopid.
Welter’s tenure in John Brown’s Body came to an end in 2006. Following the death of bassist Scott Palmer in June 2006 after a brief battle with cancer, the band chose to downsize. Welter opted to leave and pursue music with his own group, but the split was amicable. In fact, John Brown’s Body drummer Tommy Benedetti would soon join Welter in Players Inc.
Although he had lost employment with one group, Welter’s schedule actually got busier as the year went on. Ironically, any down time created was instantly consumed as Slightly Stoopid’s success had grown, making performances from Welter’s own group a rare commodity. In fact, this current West Coast jaunt will only consist of three Southern California dates, booked during studio down time while Welter completes his recording duties on Slightly Stoopid’s next album, due this fall.
Whether you are already an aficionado of Welter’s tunes, a fan of his work with other bands or merely want to take in a night of eminently danceable tunes, C-Money and The Players Inc.’s performance July 24 is likely to be an unbeatable night of horn-driven beats. Anyone who has had the good fortune to catch Welter in live performance knows the stage is where his heart is. As a sideman, his onstage energy is infectious, but as a frontman it’s explosive. He leads his band through daredevil turns and funky rhythms with a confidence built on years of touring.
While his studio performances are sterling, it’s no accident that he chose to make his debut album a live disc. With Welter’s relentless work ethic, business associations and solid song- writing, it’s likely that the chance to catch C-Money and The Players Inc. in a nightspot as intimate as Winston’s is something that won’t be possible for long.
C-Money and The Players Inc. perform at Winston’s, 1921 Bacon St., on Tuesday, July 24. For more information visit www.winstonsob.com.