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Forq

Forq is an renowned for blending infectious grooves, intricate harmonies, and memorable melodies in a genre-bending style that emphasizes world-class and energetic live performances. Founded in the early by Henry Hey and bassist —best known as the leader of —the band draws from the musical scenes of and , evolving from its original lineup to feature a rotating ensemble of musicians. Core members include Henry Hey on keyboards, with guitarists such as Chris McQueen (also of and Bokanté) or Jordan Peters (collaborator with and ), bassists like Kevin Scott (Government Mule) or Eli Menezes (), and drummer Jason "JT" Thomas ( and ). Forq's discography spans five studio albums, beginning with its self-titled debut in 2014—featuring guitarist Adam Rogers—and culminating in the 2024 release Big Party, which incorporates guest artists and highlights the band's party-like atmosphere during live shows. The group has gained acclaim for performances at prestigious festivals including the North Sea Jazz Festival, , and Jazz à Vienne, where their dynamic sound captivates audiences with a balance of technical sophistication and accessible, humanity-driven expression.

History

Formation and debut (2012–2014)

Forq was founded in 2012 in by keyboardist Henry Hey and bassist , the latter known for his work with . Hey and League sought to create a streamlined, groove-oriented to explore music with tight rhythms and improvisational freedom, drawing on their shared interest in melodic yet dynamic structures. The initial lineup was completed by guitarist Adam Rogers, a longtime collaborator of Hey, and drummer Jason "JT" Thomas, recommended by League for his powerful, groove-driven style. The band began performing live in in 2013, using intimate venues like the 55 Bar as a testing ground to refine their material. These early shows allowed the quartet to experiment with loose song structures, emphasizing spontaneous interplay and rhythmic intensity, which helped solidify their identity as a ensemble blending intricate harmonies with driving grooves. The performances quickly gained attention in the local scene for their energetic, improvisational approach, establishing Forq's reputation for high-caliber musicianship and sonic exploration. In early 2014, the band recorded their self-titled debut album Forq at The studio in , capturing the original quartet's chemistry in a focused session. Released on September 9, 2014, via GroundUP Music—a label co-founded by —the album features eight tracks, including the opener "" with its punchy bass lines and "," a sprawling 10-minute closer showcasing extended . Highlights like "Fire Song" and "Starchy" exemplify the group's sound, merging rock-infused riffs, harmonies, and relentless grooves without vocals, prioritizing instrumental dialogue. The release marked Forq's formal debut, with initial promotion through live sets that further entrenched their aesthetic.

Lineup changes and expansion (2015–present)

In early 2015, guitarist Adam Rogers departed the band after the release of their debut album, and he was replaced by Chris McQueen, a guitarist from , ahead of a tour and the recording of their second album, Batch, issued in June 2015. This lineup adjustment allowed Forq to maintain momentum, blending McQueen's fusion expertise with the core rhythm section to refine their instrumental approach during live outings. The band continued with this configuration through their third album, Threq, released in June 2017 via GroundUP Music, which captured a period of intensified collaboration. That same year, Forq performed at the inaugural GroundUP Music Festival in Miami Beach in February, an event organized by that highlighted emerging instrumental acts and marked a key milestone in the band's visibility within the jazz-fusion scene. Following Threq, bassist and co-founder left the group to focus on other projects, including , and was succeeded by Kevin Scott on bass, ushering in a new era of personnel stability. With Scott's addition, Forq self-released their fourth studio , Four, in October 2019, an effort that emphasized expanded grooves and harmonic experimentation amid the band's evolving chemistry. Later that year, they issued Aargau on Newvelle Records, a vinyl-only project featuring site-specific improvisations recorded in , reflecting their growing international footprint and adaptability to unique recording environments. In 2021, the band followed with Four (Remixt) on GroundUP Music, a collection of remixes from the Four sessions by various artists, which extended the 's lifecycle and showcased Forq's influence on contemporary producers. Forq's expansion continued into the 2020s with sustained touring across the and , including appearances at festivals like North Sea Jazz, solidifying their reputation for dynamic live performances that highlight the current lineup's interplay. This period culminated in the release of Big Party in September 2024 via GroundUP Music, their first studio album in five years, celebrating the band's matured sound through infectious rhythms and collaborative energy amid ongoing global engagements.

Band members

Current members

Forq features core members keyboardist Henry Hey and drummer Jason "JT" Thomas, with a rotating lineup including guitarists Chris McQueen and Jordan Peters, and bassists Kevin Scott and Eli Menezes. Henry Hey serves as the band's keyboardist, co-founder, and primary composer, having established the group in 2012 alongside bassist . His compositional work shapes Forq's signature blend of and , evident across all albums from the self-titled debut in 2014 to the 2024 release Big Party. Jason "JT" Thomas has been the drummer since the band's formation, contributing to the original 2014 album Forq and providing the rhythmic foundation for every subsequent release, including dynamic grooves on tracks from Thrēq (2017) and Four (2019). Chris McQueen joined as guitarist in 2015 for the album Batch, bringing melodic soloing and funky textures that have defined the band's sound in live performances and recordings from that point onward, such as his contributions alongside Peters on Big Party. Jordan Peters serves as a rotating , known for collaborations with , , and Bokanté. He has contributed to recent recordings and live performances, including guitar parts on Big Party. Kevin Scott became a rotating after the 2017 Thrēq, joining for Four in 2019 and contributing grooving bass lines to recent works like Big Party alongside other bassists. Eli Menezes serves as a rotating bassist, with credits including work with , , and . He has performed in live settings and contributed to albums such as Big Party.

Former members

Michael League, the band's co-founder and , served from its formation in 2012 until after the release of the third Thrēq in 2017. As a key creative force alongside keyboardist Henry Hey, League contributed to the band's foundational sound on the debut Forq (2014), Batch (2015), and Thrēq (2017), infusing the group's grooves with his signature bass lines drawn from his experience leading . His departure marked a significant transition, with Kevin Scott taking over for subsequent recordings and tours. Guitarist Adam Rogers was an original member from 2013 to 2015, providing the sharp, fusion-oriented guitar work that defined the band's early live performances and debut album Forq. Rogers participated in the recording of the self-titled release and the band's initial U.S. tour, but left due to scheduling conflicts with his extensive session and touring commitments. His exit led to Chris McQueen joining for the second album Batch and beyond, shifting the band's guitar dynamic toward a more ensemble-oriented approach.

Musical style

Genre and characteristics

Forq is primarily classified as a ensemble, characterized by its instrumental, groove-centric approach that emphasizes rhythmic propulsion and harmonic sophistication. The band's music integrates elements of with funk's infectious rhythms and rock's driving energy, creating a dynamic sound that prioritizes collective interplay over solo dominance. This is evident in their use of syncopated lines and patterns that lock into tight, danceable grooves, often layered with guitar riffs and textures to build tension and release. Central to Forq's characteristics are their complex harmonies and melodic structures, drawn from jazz traditions and blended with elements such as blues and Latin jazz grooves. These elements foster a sense of sonic adventure, where improvisational solos—delivered by world-class musicians—emerge organically from composed frameworks, allowing for spontaneous melodic inventions that weave through the ensemble's dense harmonic landscape. Rhythmic motifs in their catalog often employ polyrhythms and odd time signatures to heighten groove intensity, while melodies are crafted to be hook-laden yet intricate, ensuring accessibility without sacrificing depth. As an quartet typically comprising guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums, Forq's format enables focused sonic exploration, where each instrument contributes equally to textural and timbral variety. This setup underscores their compositional techniques, such as interlocking riffs and call-and-response patterns, which amplify the band's emphasis on emotional expression through groove and harmony rather than vocals.

Influences and evolution

Forq's musical influences draw heavily from the tradition, particularly through the involvement of co-founder , whose work with infused the band with a modern blend of intricate grooves, improvisational elements, and genre-crossing experimentation. Keyboardist Henry Hey has cited as a key inspiration for connecting simple melodies with complex harmonies and , emphasizing a melodic focus amid rhythmic drive. Additional influences include diverse artists such as , , and , reflecting the members' broad backgrounds in pop, soul, and contemporary jazz. The band's sound has evolved significantly since its 2012 debut, shifting from an aggressive, exploratory style characterized by intense sonic investigations to more accessible, groove-oriented compositions in subsequent releases. This progression is evident in their 2024 album Big Party, where rhythmic foundations take precedence, incorporating humor, organic keyboard textures, and less self-indulgent to create infectious, melody-driven tracks. Hey has described this development as maintaining a consistent "sonic stamp" while expanding flavors through varied instrumentation, prioritizing grooves that "feel right" over pure complexity. Lineup changes have notably shaped this evolution, with guitarist Chris McQueen's addition starting on the second album introducing new collaborative dynamics and textural depth, particularly through his guitar work on approximately half of Big Party's tracks. McQueen's contributions, alongside rotating bassists like James Genus and drummers such as , have broadened the palette, allowing for greater musical variety while preserving Forq's core improvisational identity. Forq's development is contextualized within the vibrant and jazz scenes, where early rehearsals at NYC's 55 Bar honed their fusion roots, and League's -based connections bridged regional influences into a cohesive, groove-centric sound. This interplay has positioned Forq as a contemporary extension of jazz fusion's legacy, emphasizing ensemble interplay over individual virtuosity.

Discography

Studio albums

Forq's debut studio album, Forq, was released on September 9, , by GroundUP Music. Recorded in early at The in , the album features eight tracks that showcase the band's initial fusion of , , and electronic elements. The tracklist includes: "Grout" (6:11), "Fire Song" (5:12), "Starchy" (5:52), "Mångata" (7:53), "" (10:37), "Earflower" (6:28), "" (6:16), and "" (7:09). As the band's introductory release, it established their collaborative songwriting approach and groove-oriented sound. The follow-up, Batch, arrived on June 9, 2015, also via GroundUP Music, marking a transition in the band's lineup following the departure of guitarist Adam Rogers, with Chris McQueen joining on guitar. The album highlights expanded compositional contributions from McQueen, including tracks like "Lymaks" and "," alongside co-writes such as "Burr" and "Lenburu" with bassist . Its seven tracks emphasize layered rhythms and harmonic interplay, with the full list comprising: "Lymaks," "Crush," "Burr," "Ultraviolet," "635 South," "Lenburu," and "Gerard." Production focused on the band's evolving ensemble dynamic. Thrēq, released in 2017 by GroundUP Music, captures the band in a phase just before Michael League's departure, with compositions reflecting intensified group . Recorded and produced to accentuate live energy, the album's seven tracks include member-led pieces like McQueen's "Cowabunghole," "Melt," and "Fenix." The tracklist is: "Taizo," "Cowabunghole," "Tea Time," "Blue Diamonds," "Stannic," "Melt," and "Fenix." This release underscores Forq's maturation in blending structured grooves with spontaneous elements. In 2019, Forq self-released Four on October 11, handling production independently after previous label-backed efforts, though distributed through channels like . Recorded over five days at The Power Station in and mixed by Jason Kingsland, with mastering by Dave McNair, the album features ten tracks that explore melodic introspection amid rhythmic drive. Key compositions include McQueen and Henry Hey's co-writes "M-Theory" and "Lullabye." The tracklist includes: "Mr. Bort," "Grifter," "M-Theory," "Duck People," "Lullabye," "Tiny Soul," "Rally," "EAV," "Lullabye Reprise," and "The Get Go." This self-produced approach allowed greater creative control. That same year, was issued in August 2019 exclusively as a vinyl-only LP by Newvelle Records, part of their subscription-based "Muri" featuring Swiss-inspired recordings. Recorded live-to-tape at Musig im Pflegidach in Muri, , mixed by Urselli at East Side Sound in , and mastered by Alex DeTurk at The Bunker, the album's clear 180-gram format emphasizes analog warmth. Its tracks, divided across two sides, include "Taizo," "635 South," "Crush," "Gerard," and "Grout," capturing a concise, location-specific session. This release highlights Forq's adaptability to specialized formats. Forq's most recent studio album, Big Party, was released on September 13, 2024, by GroundUP Music, focusing on upbeat grooves and the core quartet's chemistry with returning members. Produced to evoke communal energy, it features nine tracks that blend funky rhythms with melodic hooks, including "Song for Jim" as a nod to influences. The tracklist is: "Into Bright," "Bomp," "Big 3," "Dirt Cake," "The Grotto," "Kick The Curb," "Song for Jim," "Echo," "Va!." This album reaffirms the band's emphasis on joyful, collaborative improvisation.

Remix and other releases

In 2021, Forq released Four (Remixt) through GroundUP Music, a comprehensive featuring reimaginings of tracks from their 2019 studio Four. This project involved inviting a diverse group of guest producers and musicians from various genres to reinterpret the original compositions, emphasizing creative freedom in production and arrangement. The comprises 23 tracks totaling approximately 101 minutes, showcasing , , and experimental influences that expand the band's jazz-fusion roots. The collaborative process highlighted Forq's interest in sonic exploration, with members Henry Hey and Chris McQueen serving as executive producers. Guest artists included Sirintip and Nolan Byrd on the upbeat "Rally (Sirintip & Nolan Byrd Remix)," Tim K's bass-heavy take on "Mr. Bort (Tim K Remix)," and Colonel Beats' instrumental version of " (Colonel Beats Berklee-Drop-Out Version)." Other notable contributions came from with "Duck People ( Version)" and Haunted Chicken's atmospheric "Lullabye (Haunted Chicken Remix)," demonstrating how external perspectives transformed the originals into fresh, genre-blending pieces. Preceding the full release, Forq issued Four, Remix EP 1 on Bandcamp in May 2021, serving as the inaugural installment in a planned series of remix collections. This EP featured six tracks, including early versions of remixes like "Rally" and "Mr. Bort," mixed and produced by the guest artists themselves and mastered by Shawn Hatfield. It underscored the project's iterative nature, allowing Forq to test and refine the remix concept before compiling the expanded album. No subsequent EPs in the series were released as standalone items, with the complete set consolidated into Four (Remixt). Beyond these, Forq has issued select singles derived from the remix project, such as "Rally (TL JK Remix)" and "Tiny Soul (flymyspcshp rebuild)," which were distributed digitally to highlight individual contributions and promote the album. These releases, while not forming a separate EP or compilation, provided additional entry points for listeners into the remixed material. No live recordings or other variant compilations have been officially released as of November 2025.

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