Electric Gumbo: It's On!

Best known as the bassist and founder of the popular jazz quartet Sharp Little Bones, Simon Paterson found that not all of his compositions were suitable for that small band format and needed a more expansive outlet. He achieves this with Electric Gumbo, a winning combination of established musicians and rising talents who form a 17-member collective, all hailing from the East Midlands of the UK.

"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.