Jeff “FunkyJB” Beal was born in Chattanooga, TN in 1968 to a musical family. His parents, older brother, and various church music programs in upstate South Crackalacky were influential in providing a wide array of music, musicians, and stellar people to his life who challenged him to always give your best.

His older brother had him listening to Mahavishnu Orchestra at twelve years old while his peers thought 3 chord songs were really something! He played cello in school and sang in a touring gospel choir for many years, vowing to play drums ‘someday.’ He eventually drained the savings account to buy his first drum kit….and the rest is hysteria!

His drum instructor, Todd Walker, greatly influenced his desire to read charts and practice with a purpose and he has honed his chops over the years.

His goal as a musician is to bring a great feel to any tune and several drummers have influenced his sound, including: David Garibaldi, Billy Cobham, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore, Russell Batiste, Dennis Chambers, and Keith Carlock. It’s all about the groove and a deep pocket. Musical highlights include singing the national anthem at a Chicago Cubs game, opening for Jefferson Starship, and playing with various professional musicians such as Larry Johnson (The Temptations, Essence of Motown), Ari Mendez (independent), Brock Butler (Perpetual Groove), Joe Marcinek (JMB), Lefty Hathaway (Lefty Hathaway Band), and Dale Posey (Ricky Martin).

Fun Facts:

– When not performing or recording music, Jeff is a Marine Biologist and an avid fisherman.