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Electric Gumbo: It's On!
By"This project allows me to push the boundaries of both acoustic orchestration and electronic textures in ways that wouldn't be possible in a standard band setting," Paterson says. He is also known for his skills as a producer and sound engineer and composed, arranged and produced the nine tracks that make up the band's debut, It's On! In addition to electric and upright basses, he contributes synths, guitar, French horn, trumpet and backing vocals.
The album opens with Lucy Blick's wordless vocals combining with Alistair Parnell's soprano sax before breaking out into a relentless groove. Paterson's electric bass has a definite 1980s funk vibe and acts as the foundation for some tight horn interjections. Infectious beats are a key feature of the album. While the rhythms were originally recorded on programmed drums, the sensible decision was made to scrap this approach and re-record with a real rhythm section. The organic approach pays off as drummer Stevie Smith and Paul Deats on Fender Rhodes combine with Paterson to ensure the funk doesn't stop on "Budge Up," which also features a dynamic trombone improvisation from Magnus Hawker-French.
Two standout tracks feature the vocals of Rachel Foster. Her smooth tone and phrasing carry the spacious and soulful "Downfall (Every Step)" to some excellent combinations with Tony Kofi's tenor sax. She also wrote the lyrics to the swaying, catchy rhythms of "Get Back (On the A-Track)," which finds her supported by excellent work on Fender Rhodes and a variety of instrumental combinations.
Elsewhere, Thom Whitworth's tenor sax brings a European feel to "Brackett" and neatly slows the pace, while "String Up The Beats" and "Honey Trap" are tightly arranged funk juggernauts. The band delivers contagious grooves, inventive electronic textures and fine solos with a well-crafted approach that buzzes with the kind of energy that could make you wish you were seeing them live. Paterson's melodic writing and taut arrangements still leave plenty of space for improvisation, with his ingredients of jazz, funk, electronics and soul. His stew is a welcome addition to the menu.
Track Listing
Snap Shut; Budge Up; Mobius; Brackett; Downfall (Every Step); Honey Trap; Get Back (On The A-Track); String Up The Beats; Cloudfall.
Personnel
Simon Paterson
bassMagnus Hawker-French
tromboneRachel Foster
vocalsPaul Deats
pianoStevie Smith
drumsTony Kofi
saxophone, tenorThom Whitworth
saxophone, tenorPete Beardsworth
saxophone, tenorPaul Emmett
tromboneEmily Shell
tromboneAlistair Parnell
saxophone, sopranoBenny Lee
trumpetReuben Paterson
saxophone, altoMatt Ratcliffe
pianoMatt Eris
synthesizerLucy Blick
vocalsEd Lamps
percussionAdditional Instrumentation
Simon Paterson: electric bass, upright bass, synths, guitar, French horn, trumpet, vocals (1-9); Paul Deats: Fender Rhodes (1-9); Matt Ratcliffe: electric piano, Moog mother 32 synthesiser (1-9); Matt Eris: Roland SH101 synthesiser(1-9).
Album information
Title: It's On! | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Full Beam Music
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About Electric Gumbo
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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