On April 7, 2006, the Black Eyed Peas drew a packed house to the Smirnoff Music Centre as part of the Honda Civic Tour. The hip-hop artists have sold more than 16 million records around the world, won Grammy awards and gained international recognition for their unique, funk sound that both fans of rock ‘n’ roll and hip-hop appreciate.
What most audiences don’t know is that Fergie, William, and Taboo, the front four members of the BEP are only half of what makes their ensemble so eminent.
“There’s four in the front and four in the back,” says Printz Board. Board is Bucky Jonson’s keyboard, trumpet and accordion player and 1/4 of the Black Eyed Peas’ real success.
Board, along with guitar player George “el Cubano” Pajon Jr., Tim “The Dirty Flautist” Orindgreff and drummer Keith “Black Ice” Harris make up Bucky Jonson, the group that gives the Black Eyed Peas their sound in the recording studio and while performing live.
Bucky Jonson is directly involved with the writing, recording and producing on all of the BEP’s album, and has been an indispensable part of the group that shakes its humps on the iPod commercials for the last eight years.
“We are a part of this as much as the front four are,” said Board. “They go with what we put up.”
The musical talent of these gentlemen is beyond apparent. It is without a doubt that Friday night’s show would not have been 1/10 of what it was without these guys on stage.
Pajon is a two-time Grammy award songwriting nominee for the songs “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” off the BEP’s latest album, “Monkey Business” and “Let’s Get it Started” from the “Elephunk” album. Pajon also has writing and recording credits with Sting, Carlos Santana, John Legend and Earth, Wind & Fire, just to name a few.
Board was also nominated for a songwriting Grammy for “Don’t Phunk with My Heart” for Best Rap Song. Board has worked with artists such as Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Dr. Dre.
While the BEP’s were holding their own on the entertainment end, the crowd became thrilled as Bucky Jonson showed themselves and even outshined the front four.
The show really took off during the song “Pump it,” which is one of Bucky Jonson’s favorites to play. The band members admit with hesitation that they are not in great favor of all of their songs.
“The song, “Don’t lie”-yeah, we don’t like that song.” said Board.
Despite their success, these guys couldn’t be any nicer or less pretentious, even though in their own opinions, “It doesn’t get bigger or better than the Black Eyed Peas,” said Orindgreff.
As for their own records, the album, “untitled” is a unique mix of instrumental hip-hop that is just as likable as these guys are in person. Samples of the songs from “untitled” are available on their Web site, buckyjonson.com and will be available on iTunes and through a few other outlets in the coming months.
The band is also looking for a female vocalist for its upcoming All-Star album, “to do for Bucky Jonson what Fergie did for the Black Eyed Peas,” said Board. “Someone to show the ropes to.” Those interested will soon be able to make their names known through the Bucky Jonson Web site.
The All-Star album will feature songs from Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Macy Gray, John Legend, Esthero, and William and Taboo from BEP.
