Super Soul Bros. bring jazz interpretations of retro games
October 8, 2016
Students kicked off the first week of school jamming to and Snapchatting performances by the Super Soul Bros. during Welcome Week; three days of music filled mornings hosted by the Diversity and Events Committee.
The musicians performed hit songs from 90s video games such as “Sonic the Hedgehog”, “Legend of Zelda” and “Super Mario Bros.”
The group consisted of Robbie Benson on keyboard and bass, Brian Sheu on guitar, Chris Haman on drums, Bill Smoli on trumpet and Christian Manzana on trombone. Missing from Wednesday’s performance was Alex Popoff
on saxophone.
Keyboardist Benson and guitarist Sheu are both De Anza College alumni. Benson said it was great coming back to his school to perform for students.
“I remember when I was attending De Anza I saw a few bands and really got a kick out of it. It’s cool being on the other side now,” Benson said. He said it is important to play in front of schools and student bodies that appreciate retro gaming music and might not know groups like theirs exist in their neighborhood.
Benson said he benefited from the humanities classes he took at De Anza as they brought different perspectives that influenced what he created in filmmaking and music.
Lim said he believes a good start is a good year and for freshmen, it is important to feel that it will be a good year.
“It’s soothing and it calms you down after class while you’re enjoying eating,” said Kevin Endo, 18, Computer Science major.
Xavier McSwain, 19, Biology major said the performance was great and the group was a good composition.
Diquan Cummings, 22, Liberal Arts major said Welcome Week helps new students who don’t know the college life mellow down. Cummings said he likes the jazzy feel the band provided.
The Super Soul Bros. stream every Friday on Twitch.tv and information can be found on their website www.supersoulbros.com. Their merchandise consists of their discography sold on a $50 USB drive in the shape of a SNES as well as $20 t-shirts.
“For aspiring jazz musicians, I’d say get out and sit in at jams, play, write, explore. Just do it. Real world experience has always been the best method for me,” Benson said on advice to aspiring
De Anza musicians.
Victor Lim, a DASB Senate organizer of the event, said that all of the Welcome Week entertainment was planned by La Donna Yumori-Kaku, the DASB Interclub Council Adviser.