ALSO BOOKING


The following celebrated international artists are also booking through Funkgurus Artist Management.

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Patrick Hayes' Crusaders

Patrick Hayes' Crusaders

'Patrick Hayes' Crusaders,' a band featuring some of the UK's finest session musicians, is a tribute to the legendary 1970s horn-led Houston Jazz-Funk group The Crusaders. The Crusaders trombone/tenor sax frontline became their trademark, mixing R&B and Memphis soul elements with hard bop, they were international jazz festival stars, appearing at many of the world's celebrated jazz events over their 50+ years in the business. Patrick Hayes' Crusaders cover all eras of the band's history, from the early Jazz Crusaders material to the Street Life years of the 1980s. Since their formation in 2019, the band has performed at venues and festivals all over the UK and abroad, and they are regulars at London's Ronnie Scott's. Members of the band have performed and recorded with Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Hans Zimmer, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and many others. Patrick Hayes is a well-known multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger in a variety of musical genres on the London music scene. Over the years, he has performed, recorded, or arranged for a diverse range of commercial artists, including Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Sir Tom Jones, Van Morrison, Paul Carrack, Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Phil Ramone, The O'Jays, Hamish Stuart, The Lighthouse Family, and James Taylor Quartet, as well as jazz artists Snarky Puppy, Curtis Stigers, Gregory Porter, Gerard Presencer, Dave Douglas, Nestor Saxophonist Jonny Griffiths joins Patrick in the Crusader’s front line and together they are part of the top UK horn section Triple H Horns – famous for working with Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Chromeo, Disciples, Tayla Parx/Harloe, A-Trak, Dave Taylor: Switch/Sarah Ruba (Diary Records), FKJ, Sir Tom Jones and many others.

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Paul Booth

Paul Booth

Paul Booth is an award-winning, leading solo saxophonist, composer and first-call sideman for numerous major contemporary music artists. He currently performs his own music with a number of different groups and in 2004, released his first solo album, ‘It’s Happening’, which was followed by the albums ‘No Looking Back’ (2007), ‘Pathways’ (2009), ‘Trilateral’ (2011), 'Patchwork Project' (2015) and ’Travel Sketches’ (2019), all of which were extremely well received. Paul’s ability to blend into any musical environment coupled with his talents as a multi-instrumentalist has led to him being regularly chosen to perform and record with many well-known artists, including; The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, The Allman Brothers Band, Bonnie Raitt, Chaka Khan, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Gregory Porter, and Barry Manilow, to name but a few. Additionally, Paul is known for his work with Incognito, Brand New Heavies, The BBC Big Band, the Michael Janisch Quintet and the Ryan Quigley Quintet. He has held the lead tenor sax position for the worldwide smash hit show, Riverdance, and has been a key member of the Steve Winwood band from 2005 until now. With his new album, entitled ‘44’ coming out in spring 2002 and an incredible 1.6M hits on his previous record, Paul Booth is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and talented saxophonists of his generation. Paul can appear with;- The Paul Booth Quartet The Paul Booth Quintet/Octet. Patchwork Project – 6-piece world music group TRYPL - Superb horn section based band featuring Ryan Quigley & Trevor Mires Bansangu Orchestra - World music big band Organ Trio - with Ross Stanley and Andrew Bain.

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Diamond Skyline Orchestra

Diamond Skyline Orchestra

The Diamond Skyline Orchestra is one of the UK's premiere jazz, swing and big bands. With music from 1920 to 2020, versatility is key with this group as they offer classy jazz/swing & big band options and also a rip-roaring party band, with many clients choosing both for their events. Known for their super-slick dance moves and stunning choreography, DSO give you an unforgettable show that your guests will rave about for weeks to come. Performed by London's finest professional musicians who have worked with the likes of James Brown, Michael Bublé, Earth Wind & Fire, Jocelyn Brown, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, Amy Winehouse and more, DSO are perfect for corporate events & awards ceremonies. We are able to offer a DSO bespoke package, tailored to your needs so you do not need to deal with multiple acts for reception, dinner and after party music. The swing revival is here and becoming more popular by the day. The DSO smaller background Jazz Band or 8-12 piece Swing Band offer style and sophistication. If you want class, then this is the line-up for you. The DSO 19-piece Big Band combines the sounds of Glenn Miller, Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack into one unforgettable show. Simply put - no other band in the country can do what they do.

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Miles Gilderdale

Miles Gilderdale

Miles Gilderdale is a Grammy nominated writer, Gibson Guitarist of the Year and member of 'Acoustic Alchemy', the multi-million selling, triple Grammy nominated smooth jazz band. Dynamic front man Miles is only truly at home when playing to a crowd and has worked on stage with artists as diverse as Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood and Jools Holland, as well as performing live on Radio One broadcasts and numerous TV shows. In 1996, Miles became a member of Acoustic Alchemy and has collaborated on seven releases, including 2001's Grammy nominated AArt. Additionally Miles is a member of renowned funk band G-FUNK alongside the legendary Gary and Greg Grainger on bass & drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled with their live & studio work connecting them to the likes of Whitney Houston, John Scofield and Earth Wind and Fire to name a few. G-FUNK shows are sell outs at every venue – including their annual Christmas residency at London Soho’s exclusive Pizza Express Jazz Club, which often sees them feature special guests such as Jessy J, Jeff Kashiwa and Chris 'Snake' Davis to name but a few. A seasoned guitarist and performer, Miles first became known in the UK and Europe to audiences in the 1980s as the lead singer and guitarist in UK soul band Zoot and the Roots, which also included the sax player Snake Davis. Gigs with soul legends such as Ben E King and Curtis Mayfield followed. 25 years and several albums later, Miles is still with 'Acoustic Alchemy' and enjoying every minute of it. Over the years Miles and his chums have worked with Acoustic Alchemy, Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Jools Holland, Whitney Houston, Earth Wind & Fire, Lonnie Liston Smith, John Schofield, Maysa, Pure Soul, Nancy Wilson, Dennis Chambers, George Duke, Eric Marienthal, Slim Man, and Nelson Rangell to name but a few, which in part explains why they are so damn good! Miles is available for festival & club bookings either as a solo performer, with G*FUNK or with award winning Grammy nominated smooth jazz stars 'Acoustic Alchemy'.

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Nimbus Sextet

Nimbus Sextet

One of the most innovative groups in the new wave of UK jazz, Nimbus Sextet are bringing their electrifying blend of jazz, world and dance music to top venues and festivals across the UK and Europe. Performing sell-out gigs at the likes of Ronnie Scott’s, New Morning (Paris) and Pizza Express Jazz Club, the Joe Nichols-led outfit have firmly established themselves as an increasingly major voice in the European jazz scene. Nimbus Sextet’s albums – DREAMS FULFILLED (2020) and FORWARD THINKER (2022) – were both released on the legendary Acid Jazz label. Championed by Jazz FM, Nimbus Sextet have garnered international acclaim from the likes of Jazzwise, Clash Magazine, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music among many others. Following a full UK tour last summer that included a standing ovation at Ronnie Scott’s, their neo-soul style version of Roy Ayers Ubiquity's SEARCHING is currently enjoying major support at radio, having been championed by Gilles Peterson, Colin Curtis and Craig Charles. Nimbus Sextet will perform music from their hotly anticipated third album throughout 2024, which is due for release later in the year and will take their evolving sound to new heights. Nimbus Sextet’s albums – DREAMS FULFILLED (2020) and FORWARD THINKER (2022) were both released on the legendary Acid Jazz label. Both albums have garnered global acclaim from the likes of Jazzed, Clash Magazine, Jazzwise and BBC Radio 6 Music (including Huey Morgan and the Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show). Jazz FM awarded both of their albums the prestigious ‘Album Of The Week’ accolade upon release. Jazzwise Magazine called FORWARD THINKER “a very accomplished record. The release gained significant support in France, where it was championed by Vincent Caffiaux (Montreux Jazz Festival, Qwest TV) in Star Wax Magazine, Real Muzul on national French television for Clique TV and Canal Plus, and was described by the country’s leading Jazz Magazine as a “masterful album”. Both the LP’s were produced by Nuovi Fratelli - production duo Wayne A. Dickson and Luigi Pasquini. Title track ''Forward Thinker” became their most celebrated recording to date and includes contributions from Nathaniel Cross, Nubiyan Twist’s Jonny Enser and percussion legend Steve Forman (Herbie Hancock, Barbra Streisand, David Bowie). On top of global airplay from Worldwide FM, BBC Radio Scotland and Radio Nova among many others, it is on heavy rotation on the Spotify editorial playlist Jazz UK, and has caught the attention of Jazz re:freshed, who have included it on their Dope Jazz playlist.

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R.U.M. Band

R.U.M. Band

R.U.M. is a ‘rhythmic underground movement’ consisting of heavyweight musicians who have mostly flown under the radar. Hailing from all corners of the globe including Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, Greece, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, Nigeria, India, Australia and the UK, they have played for a who's-who of world class artists including Johnny Nash, Jimmy Ruffin, Bob Marley, Rita Marley, Gregory Isaac, Eric Clapton, Pete Townsend, Jimmy Page, Chaka Khan, Bee Gees, Jeff Beck, Steve Winwood, Bony M, Lionel Richie, Beyoncé, Ali Campbell of UB40, Omar, Incognito, John Legend and Joss Stone. Featuring iconic drummer Richard Bailey who played with Johnny Nash and a young Bob Marley and later recording Jeff Beck's landmark album Blow by Blow. Bassist Michael Bailey having performed and recorded with Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin and Mick Taylor of The Stones. Felix ‘Lix’ Ruiz who previously played keyboards for the likes of Rita Marley, Gregory Isaac and Damon Albarn and soul, Latin, funk vocalist Ama Lia with credits including Beyoncé and Lionel Richie. Effortless is their delivery of musical styles from blues, rock, soul, funk, reggae, ska, Latin, jazz and calypso. When not on recording, performing or touring duties this collective known as RUMBAND come together to play live shows as a creative release for the love of music, friendship and unity.

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OUTPUT / INPUT

OUTPUT / INPUT

Critically acclaimed jazz/funk ensemble OUTPUT / INPUT was born when Chaka Khan Alumni joined forces with Triple H Horns. Since then, the group has called on the services of some incredible musicians from across the globe. The band plays a superb selection of soul and funk classics and features some of the industry’s best-known vocalists, such as Audrey Wheeler-Downing, Tower of Power lead vocalist Brent Carter and legendary Average White Band frontman Hamish Stuart. With a steady stream of high-quality studio recordings, including "Here We Go Again," recorded for their new label Expansion Records and currently #1 on the UK soul chart and Amazon R&B charts, and "Soul Deep," an original release featuring Hamish Stuart, Output / Input are now ready to showcase their superb musicianship to live audiences. Output/Input was formed during lockdown by Melvin Lee Davis, a Californian native and a skilled master bassist, composer, producer, and educator who is in high demand and is also Music Director for the "Queen of Funk," Chaka Khan. He has worked with, toured with, and recorded with some of the music industry’s most distinguished artists, including Lee Ritenour, George Duke, Gerald Albright, David Benoit, The Russ Freeman Project, Jeff Kashiwa, Diane Schurr, Will Downing, Lalah Hathaway, Patti Austin, Ledisi, and Angie Stone. Davis is also one of two writers of "Soul Train’s A Comin’ for Don Cornelius’ weekly television show "Soul Train". Nick Mead (trumpet), Jacob Shaw (saxophone) and Patrick Hayes (trombone), are also founding members, known as Triple H Horns which is in demand as a horn section for artists, composers and producers worldwide: They have worked with Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Chromeo, Disciples, A-Trak, Dave Taylor, Switch, Sarah Ruba, FKJ, Sir Tom Jones, James Arthur, John Newman, JP Cooper, Tyler Bates, Joe Hertz, Jamie Woon, V Festival, Netflix, ITV Studios, BBC TV, BBC Radio Live Lounge, Channel 4, and many other artists and companies. The ensemble is completed by members Jay Williams on drums (Dave Koz, Chaka Khan, Marcus Miller), Adam Kovacs on percussion (Anastacia, Beverley Knight, Ladysmith Black Mambazo), Kanghyun Bu on guitar, Daeun Kim on keyboards and Jesse Milliner on keyboards (Dave Grusin, Lee Ritenour, Chaka Khan). Funkgurus are delighted to represent Output / Input to bookers looking for flawless musicianship and crowd-pleasing live music delivered by consummate professionals.

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Boulevard Brass

Boulevard Brass

Boulevard Brass is a suave, modern pop-funk brass band that has performed at some of the world’s most iconic venues and exclusive events. Comprising some of the UK’s finest musical talent, Boulevard Brass is equally at home performing for a small, sophisticated private event in St Tropez as they are entertaining sports fans at a sold-out Wembley Stadium. With their effortless style and exceptional musicianship, their unique arrangements of commercial hits and classic tunes by artists such as Pharrell Williams and George Michael bring exciting new energy to songs you know and love. The group has performed at a wide variety of events, including the Queen’s Jubilee at Windsor Castle, UEFA Euro 2020, and the Rugby World Cup. The group has also worked for a range of global corporate clients, including LinkedIn, Spotify, and Google. Members of the group can be seen performing live on stage with musical icons such as Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, and Sir Tom Jones, as well as regular appearances at world-famous venues including Ronnie Scott’s and the Royal Albert Hall in London. With clients such as Chopard Watches Monaco, Courvoisier, SipSmith Gin, Brooks Brothers, Victoria Beckham, Buckingham Palace, Bahrain Jazz Festival, and Disney, Boulevard Brass is available to book through Funkgurus for corporate events and festivals.

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JD3

JD3

JD3 is an outstanding hip-hop and jazz trio from London. Formed in 2017 and fronted by Dua Lipa drummer Duayne Sanford (Dua Lipa, Christine & The Queens, Liam Payne, Roots Manuva, Honne), the trio features the skills of Lawrence Insula on bass (Little Mix, Rita Ora, Disciples) and David Mrakpor on keyboard (BlueLab Beats, Banger Factory). The combined rhythms and melodies of Jamaica and Nigeria (their combined heritage) make for a tasty cocktail of musical blends. Founded on a common love for the late great J Dilla’s extensive discography and cleverly sampled instrumentals and tracks, the trio’s eclectic sound is inspired by the legendary producer with an added live spin. Collectively, these musicians have worked with the likes of Iman Omari, TinyMan, Misha B & J Dilla’s blood brother Illa J and have played multiple sold-out shows at the world famous London jazz venues, Jazz Cafe and Ronnie Scott’s. Frequent collaborators include Teni (vocalist), Daniel Taylor (talkbox), TinyMan (rapper) and Joon Switon (guitarist). They have recorded a live EP with Illa J (John Yancey Live), which is out now on Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer & Bandcamp.

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Junius Bervine

Junius Bervine

Junius Bervine is a platinum-selling producer - currently MD for Pharrell and COMMON and a born and bred Philly artist who has traveled the world with some of the industry’s biggest artists spreading his talent and love for music along the way. June has worked with Prince, P Diddy, Snoop Dog, Lauryn Hill, Gerald Levert, Common, Pharrell Williams, Kendrick Lamar, Jill Scott, D’Angelo, to name a few, and remains one of the most sought after producer/performers in the industry. Kicking off 2024 with his amazing new band, solo projects and projects with Lauren Hill for her upcoming tour of The Middle East, June is truly a world-class musician in every sense. As a solo performer at the grand piano, he will take you on a journey through the best, Jazz, Soul and RnB music ever produced – some of which he did! Funky classic RnB loops and grooves sit comfortably underneath his tasteful piano playing. 2021 saw the release of June’s album Logical Concepts, with the track Fire in the Streets featuring both US rap stars @common and @robynhoodmusic. His new band features tasteful female vocals over cool grooves, slick sounds and mixes all MOBO styles together in one delicious package, perfect for jazz clubs and festivals across the globe. June's production services are also available for international projects so you too can give your music a 'Philly' twist and gain a head start on your promotion. Anyone he doesn't know in this genre in Philadelphia is probably not worth knowing and he can assist in finding suitable guest performers for your records. On his most recent album, he collaborated with COMMON, Robyn Hood, and James Poyser (Roots). He was in D'Angelo's band with Questlove, and his current bandmates from Pharrell Williams, COMMON, LL Cool J, and others are all available for sessions if that's the road you end up choosing. Please use the inquiry form below to tell us more about your project Altogether, outstanding performances from a true giant of the US RnB scene. It really doesn’t get any better than this.

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