LMT Connection: Niagara’s Funk & Soul Powerhouse
Joe Ruicci 
LMT Connection is one of the most enduring funk and soul bands in Canada, based in the Niagara region of Ontario.
Known for their electrifying live shows, international tours, and a sound they call “Universal Soul,” this trio has been keeping the groove alive for more than three decades. Their story is rooted in Motown, jazz, and R&B tradition while remaining deeply connected to the Niagara music scene.
The Beginnings of LMT Connection
The band formed in 1989 when Detroit-born guitarist and vocalist Leroy Emmanuel, a veteran of the Motown scene, settled in Niagara Falls.
Emmanuel had already worked with legendary figures like Marvin Gaye and Bohannon before crossing paths with Niagara drummer Mark Rogers, whose background in jazz and funk made him an ideal collaborator.
Together they found bassist John “Big Bad” Irvine, and the trio began performing relentlessly across Ontario and beyond.
From their earliest shows, LMT Connection built a reputation for tight funk grooves, soulful vocals, and improvisational flair that set them apart on the Canadian live music circuit.
Leroy Emmanuel – Guitar and lead vocals. A seasoned musician from Detroit, Emmanuel carried direct influence from the Motown era into LMT’s sound.
Has performed live with: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Edwin Star, John Lee Hooker, T-Bone Walker, Al Green, Sonny Boy Williamson, Funk Brothers, Bohanon, Dionne Warwick, James Brown Band, The Counts.
Mark Rogers – Drums. A Niagara-born drummer whose precision and groove have been central to the band’s identity. Rogers is also a founding member of the internationally acclaimed Canadian gospel-soul band Newworldson, giving him a unique double role in shaping Niagara’s modern soul sound.
John “Big Bad” Irvine – Bass. One of the most exciting bass players out of Canada is Ottawa native John Irvine. Having played professionally since the age of twelve, his credits include working for Capitol and RCA Records with such diverse artists as Ronnie Hawkins and Liberty Silver.
An innovator with effects, John has designed pedals for Zoom Sound Laboratory and recorded with EDM superstar Deadmau5.
Discography
LMT Connection has released several independent albums that document their evolution:
- Sometime Later (1992)
- Outta Control (1999)
- Universal Soul (2003)
- Color Me Funky (2008) – packaged with a live DVD featuring performances from B.B. King’s 80th birthday tour
- Expedition (2011)
- Funk Is the Final Frontier (2017) – a deluxe release with sessions recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City
These albums showcase the band’s commitment to classic funk, deep soul, and improvisational jazz influences, always anchored by a danceable groove.
Tours and International Reach
Though based in the Niagara region, LMT Connection has earned a worldwide following. The band played an astonishing 21-year residency at Toronto’s Orbit Room, becoming a must-see act in the city’s live music scene. Internationally, they’ve completed 15 European tours and six tours of China, while also performing across Canada and the United States.
A career highlight came when they were invited to open for B.B. King during his 80th birthday tour – an experience that solidified their reputation as one of Canada’s premier funk and soul acts.
Musical Style and Influences
LMT Connection describes their sound as Universal Soul – a fusion of Motown, James Brown-style funk, Sly & the Family Stone, Kool & the Gang, and jazz guitar pioneers like Wes Montgomery. Leroy Emmanuel’s Detroit background brings authentic Motown soul, while Rogers and Irvine infuse jazz and funk influences that keep the music contemporary and powerful.
The band is also known for collaborating with the Chops Horns, the legendary horn section that worked with Sugar Hill Gang, Alicia Keys, and The Police, further cementing their place in the global funk community.
Chops Horns – Music entertainment professionals with over 30 years of experience in the recording industry. They possess the skills to create a unique blend of horn arrangements for any occasion. Chops Horns has an extensive background and has recorded for artists in every genre of music including R&B, Jazz, Pop, Rock, Funk, Rap, Hip-Hop, Latin, and Adult Contemporary.
Why LMT Connection Matters
From their Niagara roots to their global tours, LMT Connection represents the enduring power of independent funk and soul music. They’ve stayed true to their craft for more than 30 years, balancing club residencies, festival stages, and international tours while continuing to release authentic, groove-driven music.
For fans of Canadian funk, soul, and R&B, LMT Connection is both a local treasure and a global ambassador of groove.
Their story also highlights how Niagara musicians like Mark Rogers have influenced the international soul scene through projects such as Newworldson, proving that the Niagara region continues to punch above its weight in the world of funk and soul.