Before we really get going here, I need to preface this review with some truth. The Michigan ska scene owes everything to John Bunkley. Without Bunkley and his creation of Gangster Fun, Michigan’s ska scene would be drastically different than it is today. To be honest, it’s not a stretch to say that Bunkley and Gangster Fun had lasting effects on the entire Midwest scene. His music is that important. He’s not a one-trick pony though. Aside from ska music, you can also hear John Bunkley fronting the jump-blues/swing revival act The Atomic Fireballs. There’s also a bevy of features with his signature sound attached to them. He’s also an accomplished watercolor painter as well. It’s safe to say John Bunkley is a jack of all trades … and a master of all of them.
This summer, after all the years of Gangster Fun, Atomic Fireballs, and guest appearances, John Bunkley finally graces us with his first proper solo release.
Entitled Sunshine and Chocolate, the EP is available now on Bandcamp, with a physical release coming later this summer.
The EP starts off with the funky title track, “Sunshine and Chocolate.” It’s a relatively up-tempo number that masterfully blends that signature Detroit funk-driven Motown sound with a ska backbone. Adding to the dynamics of the song are Bunkley’s velvety vocals. It also features a spiritual organ solo that will incline you to stand up and testify.
From there, Bunkley goes into a more traditional rocksteady dance number with “Addicted.” He also flexes more of his R&B muscles with “Once in a while, I find love” and “Lost Satellite.” Listening to them, I can picture hearing him perform those songs in some dark jazz and blues club on Woodward Avenue on a summer evening. The door to the club is open, and as you walk by, you’re immediately lured in by what you hear, like a Looney Tune cartoon character smelling a pie on the windowsill.
Bunkley doesn’t just stick with Motown-inspired funk and rocksteady on this EP.
“Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday” is a more traditional ska dance number that would even make the most stubborn person at least bob their head. To be honest, each of the six songs on the EP is really special. You don’t have to be a fan of traditional ska and rocksteady music to enjoy it. Sunshine and Chocolate is a music industry veteran at the top of this game. With decades of experience under his belt, John Bunkley knocks this EP out of the park. It’s so good that I’m conflicted on whether I want more solo output from him, or if I want to see Gangster Fun get back together for their canceled 2020 reunion shows.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that aiding Bunkley with this project is Eric Mazurak from The Tellways. Not only did he do all the production work on the album, but he also offered up his musical talents, and some of his bandmates, to round out the sound of Sunshine and Chocolate. If an album featuring John Bunkley isn’t enough, then surely an album that he recorded with one of the best bands in Detroit today as his backing band, should be enough to push you over the edge. Musically, there’s a similar vibe between Bunkley’s project and Out to the Cosmos. Both are amazing in their own right though and should be enjoyed as soon as possible.