ABOUT THE BAND
Whether they’re taking requests on the fly, or the crowd’s busting into a full-on soul train, it’s always a party with the Super Soul Bros.
Based in San Jose, CA, the Super Soul Bros deliver an explosive performance of live, funky video game music. Formed in 2012 by keyboardist Robbie Benson, the Super Soul Bros have gained renown for their dynamic performances, improvisation, and high-energy shows.
The band members come from varying musical backgrounds and experiences, having performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin, Tony Lindsay (Santana), Ron E Beck (Tower of Power), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa) and many others.
Pooling their wide range of influence, the Super Soul Bros’ sound and fun concept captures an audience that transcends both genre and generation. The younger crowds that grew up playing Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo enjoy a nostalgic trip from familiar melodies (sourcing popular games like Mario Kart, Sonic, Zelda and Pokemon as well as more obscure titles like EarthBound or Snatcher). But even older generations who may not have played those games still respond to the band’s sound, energy and high level of musicianship.
BIOS
ROBBIE BENSON
Keyboards / Bandleader
Starting at the age of 2, Robbie’s piano playing was guided by his father Eric Benson—a Hammond B3 organ player. Robbie has since had the pleasure of performing as a sideman for Ron E. Beck (Tower of Power), Tony Lindsay (Santana), Napoleon Murphy Brock (Frank Zappa), and Danny Hull (Doobie Brothers), as well as studying with the likes of Russell Ferrante (Yellowjackets). Now taking the role of frontman and bandleader, Robbie has focused on his latest project, Super Soul Bros.
ALEX POPOFF
Saxophone
Alex Popoff is a saxophonist who has been studying music since he was 10 years old. During high school he won multiple soloist awards from various jazz festivals (including Next Generation Monterey Jazz Festival) and graduated in 2013 with special awards from his school. He has had the honor of performing alongside musicians such as Jamie Davis (The Count Basie Orchestra), Pete Escovedo and Tom Politzer (Tower of Power). He currently attends San Jose State University as a Jazz Studies major and works professionally in the Bay Area as both a performer and a teacher.
CHRIS HAMAN
Drums
Chris Haman is a drummer and percussionist who specializes in rock, jazz, latin, metal, hip hop, and more. With a strong interest in many genres of music, Haman tends to meld a variety of styles into his own playing. Growing up, he was constantly forming bands with friends, schoolmates, and anyone who matched his passion for music. Haman earned his music degree at San Jose State University with an emphasis in jazz. He teaches drum lessons and plays professionally throughout the Bay Area.
CHRISTIAN MANZANA
Trombone
Christian has been playing professionally for ten years, and is proficient in many styles of music, playing with groups that range from classical, salsa, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and funk. He has played with R&B/soul legend Aretha Franklin, toured Europe with The Stanford Jazz Orchestra featuring trumpeter Jon Faddis, and has played in European jazz festivals such as the Jazz À Vienne and the Montreaux Jazz Festival. He also holds a degree in classical Trombone as well as a Master’s Degree in jazz.
BILL SMOLIK
Trumpet
Bill has been playing trumpet professionally in the bay area for several years, in a wide range of musical styles. He’s a veteran of 3 European tours to major jazz festivals, and a US tour with a blues/soul band. He’s won the Louis Armstrong Award, several soloist awards, and a jazz performance scholarship. Bill has coached a Jazz Combo class at Diablo Valley College, and also gives clinics to local middle and high school trumpet sections, as well as private lessons.
The Super Soul Bros are what would happen if you jammed a James Brown record into a Super Nintendo.