Kung Fu Diesel

Listen to their music

From the Ann Arbor Observer

It was clear from the first few chords of a Johnny Cash tribute that this was no ordinary night after all. Despite the musicians' unpretentious, normal-guy appearance, Kung Fu Diesel is no ordinary band. A boisterous mishmash of blues, funk, rockabilly, honky-tonk, and good old-fashioned rock 'n' roll, Kung Fu Diesel packs undeniable talent. Along with impressively agile handling of classics like "Folsom Prison Blues," the band performed original numbers as well, like the irrepressibly fun "Whiskey for Breakfast."

No matter that TC's sparse Wednesday night crowd was not exactly a rock band's dream come true; the guys pulled out every last jaw-dropping stop. Singer-guitarist Jason Peek is one of those gifted musicians who make it all seem so effortless, though in fact his playing rivals the likes of no kidding Stevie Ray Vaughan. Eliciting cheers of appreciation for a particularly ambitious solo, Peek promptly lifted his guitar over his head and played with his hands behind his back. As if this weren't enough to get TC's audience worked up, stand-up bassist Bobby Webb followed suit, lifting his bass in the air while still keeping time! Then, instruments raised high, Peek and Webb proceeded to dance in unison, playing all the while.

In this age of the pouty, well-coiffed, image-conscious rocker, it's a joy to stumble across such genuine talent. At the end of the night, I ventured out into the chill winter air with a slight bounce in my step, a little wiggle to my hips. Is it blues? Is it rock? Is it country? I’m not sure but it is very very good!