Combo Colossale: The Funk Fusion Powerhouse

Combo Colossale is a dynamic funk and jazz fusion collective from Toronto, Canada, known for their explosive live shows and intricate musicianship. The group's major label debut, "Urban Echoes," cracked the Billboard 200 in 2018 and has been certified gold in their home country.

Early career

Formed in 2012 by keyboardist and producer Marco Vela, Combo Colossale began as a rotating cast of session players in the city's vibrant Queen Street West scene. Their self-released EP, "The District Tapes" (2014), caught the ear of indie label Groove Theory Records, which signed the core lineup and issued their first full-length album, "Brass & Circuits," in 2016.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of "Urban Echoes" on major label imprint Atlantic Fusion. Lead single "Neon Reverie" became a staple on adult alternative and college radio, driving the album to number 187 on the Billboard 200 and earning a gold certification from Music Canada for over 40,000 units sold.

Key tracks

Neon Reverie — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound, blending synth-wave with a powerful horn section.

Midnight Run (feat. Laila Charles) — A collaboration with the neo-soul singer brought wider recognition and charted on Billboard's Adult R&B chart.

Circuit Breaker — An instrumental showcase that highlights the band's technical prowess and is a fan favorite at concerts.

Gravity's Pull — The lead track from their 2021 follow-up album demonstrated a deeper, more progressive musical direction.

Following "Urban Echoes," Combo Colossale solidified their reputation with the ambitious 2021 album "Kinetic Types." They have since collaborated with artists like trumpeter Theo Croker and provided soundtrack work for several documentary series, expanding their reach beyond the traditional funk fusion audience.

Fans of Combo Colossale's energetic blend of genres should also explore Badbadnotgood. This Toronto group similarly merges jazz improvisation with hip-hop and electronic beats. The groove-centric approach of Snarky Puppy shares clear DNA with Combo Colossale's collective musicianship. For the funk foundation, check out Vulfpeck and their minimalist, bass-driven aesthetic. The modern jazz fusion of Knower also parallels their rhythmic complexity and studio precision.

Combo Colossale's catalog receives regular spins across a network of independent music radio stations and specialty funk and jazz programs. Their uptempo tracks are featured on dance-oriented online radio streams, while their deeper album cuts find a home on public radio stations with dedicated fusion blocks.

You can hear the vibrant funk fusion of Combo Colossale on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their key tracks and live performances across our curated selection of music channels.