Aaron Lebos Reality Brings Eclectic Jazz With Local Flavors to Funky Biscuit on Saturday

The band has drawn comparisons to Frank Zappa and jazz supergroup Return to Forever, according to the Miami Herald. But Aaron Lebos plays in a reality all his own.

The music of Lebos' band, Aaron Lebos Reality, isn't easily defined. Specializing in an original mix of styles and influences, the Miami-based band purveys an eclectic blend of jazz, funk, rock, R&B, and world music. The sound is distinctive but also broadly representative of South Florida’s specific cultural brew. “It’s unique yet accessible,” Lebos suggests. “It’s basically like the kitchen sink — a real group sound. There’s improvisation but also lots of melody and hard-hitting grooves.”

The guitarist knows what he's talking about. Having performed with the Spam Allstars, Nicole Henry, and the Tony Succar Unity over the years, he’s adept at mining all sorts of disparate influences. Now that he’s at the helm of his own band, he's free to write the kind of original music he’s describing.

And as a native son, University of Miami music school grad, and recipient of a master's degree in jazz performance from Florida International University, Lebos is more than familiar with the local environs. He's played throughout South Florida, including multiple stints on local NPR affiliate WLRN.

Lebos' Reality band — which also includes drummer Rodolfo Zuniga, bassist Eric England, trombonist Chad Bernstein, and keyboardist Nick Lamb — was formed four years ago and has already released two albums, with a third in the works. “I’m performing with some of the finest musicians South Florida has to offer,” Lebos says. “This band has really exploded. These guys make music at the highest level.”


For their performance this Saturday at the Funky Biscuit in Boca Raton, Lebos insists, "That’s a setting where we can really let loose. The Funky Biscuit is one of the best venues South Florida has to offer. It’s got a great sound, attracts energetic crowds, and the food is solid — reasons why national acts make it a regular stop. This particular night is going to be electric.”

The Aaron Lebos Reality
 8 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the the Funky Biscuit , 303 SE Mizner Blvd., Boca Raton. Tickets cost $10 in advance, $15 day of show. Ages 21 and over. Call 561-395-2929.