The Funky Supervillain is composer/bassist Lyman Medeiros' first studio recording as a leader. After touring the world performing to enthusiastic audiences as a sideman for acclaimed vocalists Steve Tyrell and Michael Buble, the album marks a departure from the world of standards for Medeiros. The music is rooted in Medeiros's upright bass grooves exploring different styles of funk, jazz, and R&B with a strong emphasis on improvisation and individual expression. The Lower Level is comprised of world-class jazz musicians including Lou Soloff (trumpet legend and founding member of Blood, Sweat, and Tears) and Tom Brechtlein (former drummer with Freddie Hubbard, Joe Farrell, and Robin Ford and Blue Line, currently touring with Chick Corea) amongst others. The album features a basic trio (bass, keys, and drums) with another soloist; either guitarist Steve Cotter (Joey DeFransesco, Bobby Caldwell), vocalist Jessica Vautor, or trumpeter Soloff. Hard-grooving Lorca Hart and the brilliantly creative Chris Wabich round out drumming duties. Virtuostic pianist Quinn Johnson (Sandro Albert, Sergio Mendes) is featured throughout. The Funky Supervillain showcases Medeiros compositions such as the soulful "Big City Dreams" and the hard-grooving "Tasteycakes" as well as original arrangements of the standard "I Only Have Eyes for You", the jazz favorite "Beatrice" by Sam Rivers, and the sould classic "Feel Like Making Love." Cory Milano provides a brilliantly re-imagined electronic intro on the Billy Cobham funk tour de force "Snoopy's Search/Red Baron." Look for CD release shows by the Lower Level in winter of 2006.