'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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Ex-Brand New Heavies soul singer Dawn Joseph is a celebrated and consummate performer, songwriter, and producer. Dawn is known to festival audiences across the world from her time as the lead vocalist for incredible soul-funk stars The Brand New Heavies and more recently with her own super-soulful and stylish band, which features some of the best musicians from across Denmark. They have recently released a single, ‘Free to Love’ with the follow-up EP 'Imitation Love' going straight into the 'UK Official Soul Chart' at No1. Since signing her first publishing deal in 2000 with Sony, Dawn has gone on to write several songs for well-established pop acts and has been increasingly in demand as a session musician, bass player, and guitarist. Her work as a backing singer has placed her on stage with Phil Collins, Michael McDonald, Kylie Minogue, and Craig David, to name but a few artists. Her recent projects have seen her work with Ellie Goulding, Cee Lo Green, and Spandau Ballet. Dawn has shared the stage with many great singers, such as Michael McDonald, Bette Midler, Rod Stewart, and, for the last 10 years, Rick Astley. She continues to be inspired, discovering new and old music and never fails to entertain with her vibrant personality and fabulously funky sound. Dawn's' solo project band performs a mix of her original music and a tribute to the greatest soul-funk-Motown musicians, like Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Anita Baker, and Donna Summer, to mention a few, making it ideal for fun-loving festival audiences and live music venues. "Delightfully contagious," Dawn Joseph is available for international bookings of her solo projects through Funkgurus Artist Management. Main photograph courtesy of Johnny Ekelund Jensen - Jj_foto_vejle_music

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iG4 is a new intergenerational band of 4 of the UK's finest jazz talent sharing their love of great songs and composers. Vocalist Claire Martin OBE joins multi-award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles, much-in-demand saxophonist Karen Sharp and rising star bassist Ewan Hastie who won the BBC's Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022. Brand new arrangements written for this project by Nikki will shine a light on classic repertoire from Tom Waits to Burch Bacharach, Anthony Newly and Joni Mitchell as well as stylish reworkings from the great writers of the American songbook including Cole Porter and Johnny Mandel. Linn recording artist Claire Martin has to worldwide critical acclaim established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene gaining many awards, including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career which spans over three decades. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz. Nikki's recent work has taken her across the world as a member of the Julian Arguelles Octet, The Kenny Wheeler Big Band, Claire Martin and “The North “, a Scandinavian/Anglo/Canadian collaboration featuring Percy Pursglove and Anders Morgensen. With a parallel career as a widely respected teacher in composition and arranging, Nikki is a Professor at the Royal Academy of Music. A prominent figure on the UK Jazz scene since 2000, Karen is well known and admired for her melodic, full-toned saxophone playing, winning the British Jazz Awards for best tenor saxophonist on numerous occasions. She has worked alongside musicians such as John and Jacqui Dankworth, Ken Peplowski, Alan Barnes, Tina May, Nikki Iles, Esther Miller, Jeremy Pelt, Howard Alden, Scott Hamilton, Warren Vache, Scott Robinson and Harry Allen. Ewan Hastie is a multi-award-winning bassist and composer, already making his mark on the UK music scene. Just recently graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz, he won the coveted BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year 2022 title Since moving to Glasgow and more recently London, he has played professionally with a number of the top musicians from all over the country keeping him busy on UK’s thriving jazz scene. Together the quartet are available for appearances at festivals and clubs across the UK and Europe.

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Award-winning and critically acclaimed Polish band EABS has an innovative approach to jazz through the blending of soul, funk, hip-hop, and electro. Playing to full houses all over the world, they seek to breathe fire into jazz, ignoring clichés, exploring, and constantly experimenting.  Many may claim what they do is no longer jazz, but sometimes you have to demolish and rebuild to create something completely new. They have been working on the concept of "reconstruction from deconstruction" since 2012, often redefining the classics and mixing them with the latest genres of contemporary urban music, creating a completely new quality and original sound. The uniqueness of EABS, however, is determined not only by the instrumental mastery and topicality of their language of expression but also by hip-hop provenance and socio-political commitment. In 2017, after the critically acclaimed debut album EABS Repetitions (Letters to Krzysztof Komeda), the band decided to keep the momentum and release two more vinyl records. The first (black), recorded live in Katowice, Repetitions (Letters to Krzysztof Komeda) Live at Jazz Club Hipnoza, and the second (pink), recorded on tape and released on the British label 22a Music, entitled Kraksa/SSvantetic, crowning their work with the so-called “Komeda’s triptych." The third (green) studio album received many great reviews in Poland and abroad and was promoted on many radio stations in Poland and around the world, including Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6 Music), Thris Tian (Worldwide FM), Lefto (Radio Brussels), and Andrew Jervis (Bandcamp). Since the premiere of their debut album, EABS has played in such prestigious Polish venues as Studio S1 in Warsaw, Shakespeare Theatre in Gdańsk, NFM in Wrocław and  the NOSPR hall in Katowice. They have also performed at numerous international festivals and venues such as KOKO and Ronnie Scott's in London, XJAZZ in Berlin and at such showcase festivals as Eurosonic (Groningen) or the BuSH Festival (Budapest). EABS also played several concerts in China (Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen) and South Korea (Seoul, Jarasum Festival). Later, the band also appeared in Hungary, Romania, Austria, France, Italy, Belgium, Germany, and Montenegro. Collaborations with British musician Tenderlonious for their Slavic Spirits album and Jaubi, a Lahore-band-produced ‘In Search of a Better Tomorrow'—one o of the highest-rated jazz albums of 2023 according to The Guardian, Bandcamp, Downbeat, Pitchfork, and many others heralded a breakthrough year for EABS in many ways. The record provided the opportunity to tour in France, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, and China. It was praised by media outlets such as Le Monde, L'Echo, Politis, Stern, Bandcamp, and Gazeta Wyborcza, while The Guardian included the release in its 'The Best Global Albums of 2023'. EABS' forthcoming sixth album is a return to their roots – literally and figuratively. It is an in-depth study on rhythm, which materialised in the form of the album titled Reflections of the Purple Sun. The back to the roots part manifests itself not only in the lack of guest instrumentalists but also in a renewed focus on the history of Polish jazz.

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Snake Davis is one of the most in-demand rock jazz and soul sax players in the world, widely known for his solos on tracks such as Lisa Stansfield’s ‘Change’, M-People’s ‘Search For A Hero’ and ‘Moving On Up’ and Take That’s ‘Million Love Songs’. He has played and recorded with artists ranging from James Brown, Tina Turner and Paul McCartney to The Eurythmics and Amy Winehouse. He is a saxophonist of almost unparalleled gifts who has played with the best in the business through a career spanning three decades. To date, Snake Davis has recorded on more than 400 tracks for over 60 artists and the list keeps growing. That’s not even counting all of the live performances! More recently Snake featured on Klingande's Number 1 dance chart hit 'Jubel' - a huge dance tune across the world. Snake also performs with Japan's biggest rock star Eikichi Yazawa and recently played Tokyo Dome and 5 sold out nights at the famous Budokan arena. The hugely popular Snake Davis Classic Sax Solos touring band is now in its third year and see’s Snake Davis step into a 5 piece band performing a myriad of classics, including Baker Street, Careless Whisper, Still Crazy after all these Years, Respect, Yakety Yak, and his own solos from Million Love Songs, Moving on Up, Search for the Hero, and Lisa Stansfields "Change". What’s more, he also tells you a bit more about them, fascinating facts and insights into the music we already love. Imagine a room full of the saxophone greats; Junior Walker, King Curtis, Clarence Clemmons, Charlie Parker, Michael Brecker and more. Snake can deliver them all; challenging – yes, but he completely nails it. Sultry sax, searing sax, screaming sax, sexy sax, soulful sax, this show has it all. Snake is also available with:- The Snake Davis Band - Snake's 4-piece band, which includes some of the Classic Sax Solos show material along with classic, soul funk and ambient music. The Snake Davis Trio - teaming up with long time cohort , best buddy and session trumpeter extraordinaire Johnny Thirkell and their mutual friend, guitarist Mark Creswell, for an evening of gorgeous mellow music infused with jazz soul and pop. The Snake Davis & Gareth Moulton Duo - Snake teams up with long-time cohort and best buddy Gareth Moulton from Cutting Crew & Wang Chung for an evening of gorgeous mellow music infused with pop, rock, jazz and soul.

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Singer/Songwriter Ola Onabulé, is one of the finest vocalists and contemporary artists of our time, and as a performer, he has gained worldwide critical acclaim as a singer, songwriter and producer, With an enviable career as an international touring performer. Ola’s meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production as well as the support from Sennheiser/Neumann have contributed to the manifestation of an impressive catalogue of recordings. So embodies the artistic – and entrepreneurial – philosophy of Onabulé, Ola is a rugged individualist, a deeply soulful musician who has absorbed the surround sound of his youth – jazz, world, Soul and Pop – and incorporated key elements into his distinctive style. Ola is direct and passionate, confident in his ability to sell a song with conviction. This should surprise no one. Onabulé’s performance history is vast. A host of winning projects with small groups and the big bands and orchestras of his songs with Cologne (WDR), Stuttgart (SWR), Frankfurt (HRBB), Denmark (DRBB), and other prestigious aggregates animate his resume, as do the concert halls and international festivals that routinely invite him to perform – Montreal, Vancouver, San Sebastian, Washington, Istanbul, San Sebastian, Umbria, and London among them and concert halls worldwide. Ola’s reach is global and he has emerged as a musician’s musician, possessing a range and aptitude that place him on that shortlist of special artist, vocalist and entertainer. Ola’s three-and-a-half octave baritone, the powerful emotions he conveys with it, and his elegant appearance connect with audiences around the world. Whether in person or on record, Onabulé gives his all, which includes a thoughtful interpretation of his experiences and the world around him. Onabulé’s new album, Proof of Life, produced and recorded by Ola at Casa Del Funk Studios and co-written with renowned guitarist NICOLAS MEIER will be released in May 2025. Meier’s versatility and musical fluency extends well beyond that, so much so, that his considerable talents drew the attention of rock guitar legend, Jeff Beck, who made Nicolas a mainstay in The Jeff Beck Group — carrying him on two world tours during the course of the last several years.) The project will tour internationally as a quartet/quintet during 2025. PROOF OF LIFE is Mixed and mastered by renowned US producer George Whitty and will release with International PR and marketing support from hubtone PR in New York and Crossover media for Europe. Distribution will be through Orchard Sony.

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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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Cédric Hanriot is a pianist, composer, arranger, sound designer and music producer. Winner of prestigious scholarships and international awards, Cédric is known worldwide for his collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Terri Lyne Carrington, Donny McClaslin, and other prominent names in the jazz world. He served as pianist and sound designer on Dianne Reeves’s album Beautiful Life alongside Robert Glasper and Esperanza Spalding, which won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2015 and is currently Grammy nominated for his work in 2023 with Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-nominated vocalist and composer Maria Mendes, with whom he has played for 5 years, touring alongside John Beasley and the Metropole Orchestra. In 2022 Cedric released Time is Color, a surprisingly powerful hip-hop/jazz album, which he toured at concerts in France (Jazz à Vienne, Jazz in Marciac, Marly Jazz Festival, Festival Puy En Velay, la Gare/le Gore, Sunside, Conservatoire de Malakoff, les Trinitaires, Lavoir Théâtre, le Solar), Eastern Europe (Poland, Macedonia, Romania, Greece) and across Europe (England, Scotland, Germany, Luxembourg) as well as a tour in Mexico. Further tours are planned for 2024 in China, South America, Africa, India and the UK to launch Time is Color Volume 2. With Time is Color, the second album under his own name, Cédric Hanriot engaged in a living creation that is resolutely personal - a powerful mixture of jazz, hip-hop, and urban music which has been the subject of several glowing reviews (Le Monde, Blues and Soul Magazine, The Jazz Shows with Jamie Cullum, among others). The album was quickly voted CHOC by Jazz Magazine, '5-stars' by BBC Magazine, and ranked among the 'ten best albums of the year 2022' by the English magazine MOJO. Cédric Hanriot aims to consider and approach crossovers differently because he is curious, drawn to surprising combinations, and fond of new openings. To breathe freshness into his creations, he draws inspiration from great classical composers (Fauré, Ravel, Messiaen, Chopin), but he also draws equally from electronic music, hip-hop (Common, Kendrick Lamar), neo-soul (Angelo, Erykah Badu), and pop, all while linking it to his profound jazz identity (Bud Powell, Errol Garner, George Duke, Brad Mehldau). Cedric also performs his French Stories album with John Patitucci and Terri Lyne Carrington - acoustic jazz performing songs from Chanson Française, and a tribute to Gabriel Fauré with Jimmie Herrod. This project is a classical jazz crossover of piano and voice, performing songs from Gabriel Fauré and will tour in the US in early April. Funkgurus are delighted to represent Cédric Hanriot internationally for 2024/25 with very special guest Soweto Kinch.

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Grammy-winning guitar virtuoso Frank Gambale coming soon to Funkgurus.

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Throughout an international career starting in the late 1980’s, Grammy-winning saxophonist Tim Garland has become known as a unique polymath in the UK’s music scene. His first break as a saxophonist was joining Ronnie Scott's band at age 23. Later he was to join Chick Corea as a regular member of several globe-trotting projects over a seventeen-year period including The Vigil. Playing tenor and soprano saxes, bass clarinet, and flute, he also won a Grammy for his symphonic orchestrations on Corea’s “The New Crystal Silence” album from 2007. Garland has fulfilled commissions from several of the world's top orchestras, including a double concerto from the LSO, a piano concerto for Gwilym Simcock from The Royal Northern Sinfonia, with whom he went on to record three CDs, a cello and sax concerto from the CBSO, and a sax concerto from the BBC Concert Orchestra. His concert works continue to celebrate the fertile ground between modern composition and jazz. His creative arranging skills have won much praise from such diverse artists as Jean Luc Ponty, John Patitucci, The Royal Holloway and Westminster Choirs, the Catalan National Cobla Group, the LPO, the London Session Orchestra, NYJO as well as Chick Corea. His work is often inspired by, but not limited to, the jazz idiom, whilst his celebrated virtuosity as a saxophonist maintains his position as one of the UK’s most unique and authentic jazz voices. In 2016 he premiered “Re: Focus” (a reimagining of the Getz /Sauter project of 1962 ‘Focus’) to a full house at London’s Wigmore Hall, which in 2020 has been released for public purchase. “Luca’s Winter”, a 100-minute work for big band, was performed at Manchester’s Royal Northern College Of Music (where he held an international post as a research fellow) in which he acted as conductor and narrator. As a band leader and co-leader, he is responsible for much of the output of the groups; Lammas, The Underground Orchestra, Storms / Nocturnes (feat. Joe Locke and Geoffrey Keezer), Acoustic Triangle, the last few years of Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, and Lighthouse, (feat; Gwilym Simcock and Asaf Sirkis). He has won awards and nominations from The Parliamentary Jazz Awards, The Worshipful Company Of Musicians, BASCA’s British Composer Awards, and won CD of the year in 2016 from Jazzwise for his album ONE.

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Triple Grammy-nominated super group Acoustic Alchemy has spent over 30 years at the forefront of contemporary jazz. The band has appeared at some of the world's major jazz festivals and at many internationally renowned jazz clubs. Acoustic Alchemy was "born in the UK and forged in the USA." Originally signed to MCA Records, the band has released more than 18 albums to date and boasts a huge fan base across the world. Their annual tours across the USA are legendary, as is their annual 12-night Christmas residency at London’s celebrated Pizza Express Jazz Club in Soho. Alchemy’s music offers the best of jazz, soul and funk. Their unique sound is formed around a beautiful mix of nylon and steel acoustic guitars, played by group founder Greg Carmichael and fellow guitarist Miles Gilderdale. Super-tight funky grooves are provided by incredible US session stars Gary and Greg Grainger on bass and drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled. Gary and Greg have recorded and performed with the likes of Whitney Houston and John Scofield, to name but a few. Acoustic Alchemy was formed by Nick Webb and Greg Carmichael in 1985, and their first 3 albums were recorded for MCA. Soon after, they moved to jazz label GRP and a further six albums followed. Positive Thinking in 1998 was to be Acoustic Alchemy's last album with original frontman Nick Webb, who sadly passed away in 1998. Miles Gilderdale, who had previously worked with Ben E. King, Ronnie Wood, Curtis Mayfield, and Jools Holland, joined the band, and the label was changed to Higher Octave Music. The debut album on the label, The Beautiful Game, (2000), was more experimental, borrowing from several genres of music. AArt (2001) was released a year later and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album. A further seven albums and several lockdown projects later, the band are about to embark on a 28-date tour of the USA and are ready to bring their mix of smooth jazz, soul and funk to the festival world once again. Funkgurus are delighted to represent Acoustic Alchemy for live appearances across Europe. Links Pizza Express Soho images courtesy of Andy Sheppard - www.lowlightphoto.co.uk

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The Miguel Gorodi Quintet features some of the most distinctive voices on the UK jazz scene. With a growing repertoire of originals by Gorodi and jazz compositions by Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Andrew Hill, Woody Shaw, Dizzy Gillespie & Eric Dolphy, their live performances pack a punch and allow space for each musician to excel. Featuring Nathaniel Facey on Saxophone, Alcyona Mick on Piano, Calum Gourlay on Bass & James Maddren on drums, the band recently played to a sold-out crowd at London’s Vortex and plan to tour the UK and Europe in 2025. Signed to Ubuntu Music, Gorodi has been a sideman and soloist at sessions throughout Europe including, Scandinavia and Russia. As an in-demand trumpeter, his versatility has seen him work across many styles of music with projects and musicians such as Ian Shaw, Jamie Callum, BBC Big Band, Nikki Iles Jazz Orchestra, Barry Green Sextet, SEED Ensemble, Yazz Ahmed, Femi Temowo, Kansas Smitty’s House Band, London City Big Band, Hackney Colliery Band, The Ticklers, Riot Jazz and many others. Nathaniel Facey, one of the UK’s most impressive saxophonists, has worked with Jack DeJohnette and Jason Moran, and is a founding member of the multi-award-winning group Empirical. Described by MOJO as 'an unusual powerhouse of a talent', Alcyona Mick is a London-based pianist and composer, recently nominated for a Parliamentary Jazz Instrumentalist award and has performed internationally for many years. As well as co-leading a duo with saxophonist Tori Freestone, Alcyona currently works with a wide array of artists and bands including the London Jazz Orchestra, Natacha Atlas, Randolph Matthews, Brigitte Beraha Lucid Dreamers, Josephine Davies, Perfect Stranger, the Casimir Connection, Kate Shortt, Paul Clarvis/Stuart Hall trio, Zeroclassikal and many others. London-based double bassist and composer Calum Gourlay is known for his deep warm tone and has become a mainstay on the London jazz scene while performing with the Kit Downes Trio, The Tommy Smith Group, Will Vinson, The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra featuring Joe Lovano and John Scofield. Calum also works with Kurt Elling, Martin Speake, Martin Kershaw and Sheila Jordan. Currently one of Europe’s first-call drummers, James Maddren has shared the stage with many artists and ensembles including Gwilym Simcock, Kit Downes Trio, Jacob Collier, Marc Copland/Stan Sulzmann Quartet, The Mark McKnight Organ Quartet featuring Seamus Blake. Funkgurus are delighted to represent the Miguel Gorodi Quintet Internationally.

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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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Hamish Stuart is a legendary figure in the global music business. He was an original member of the million-selling Atlantic Records group The Average White Band and is also known for his work with Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan and David Sanborn to name but a few.  An award-winning songwriter, Hamish has written songs for Smokey Robinson, Jeffrey Osborne, George Benson & Diana Ross and was a key member of Paul McCartney’s 1989 comeback album, Flowers in the Dirt. He also appeared on several other albums and joined Sir Paul’s world tours of 1989 and 1993.   Additionally, in 2006, Hamish toured as the bass player with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band and joined Starr’s tours again in 2008, 2019 and 2022. In recognition of his unique contribution to music, in 2016, Hamish was awarded a BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors), Gold Badge award, - now known as the Ivor Novello Awards, founded to recognise exceptional people from across the industry who have made a unique contribution to British music.  In July 2015, Hamish reunited with two of his Average White Band bandmates to form The 360 Band.  This is, in essence, one-half of the original Average White Band and they released an album titled 'Three Sixty' in 2017. Hamish and his group have been performing live together with supporting musicians since then. More recently, he teamed up with Funkgurus artists OUTPUT / INPUT to record his latest song Soul Deep and appeared with Scottish based Funk and Soul band The Tomorrow Band at the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival. Funkgurus is delighted to offer Hamish for international festivals and club dates with the Hamish Stuart Band, which can feature original AWB band drummer Steve Ferrone on drums by arrangement or his larger 9-piece band with brass. Both options include a selection of his AWB hits such as Pick up the Pieces, Cut the Cake and Person to Person. Other hit songs written by Hamish, such as Chaka Khan's "What Cha Gonna Do for Me," appear in his live shows as well, making it an excellent, well-rounded show for festival and club audiences around the world. Additionally, Hamish can appear as a guest vocalist with OUTPUT / INPUT and can combine his live dates with personal appearances and media events/interviews if required.

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MOBO and Mercury award-winning UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste has a colossal talent - based on a powerful technique and an ability to improvise fluently and effortlessly across a wide range of musical styles. From the moment he joined the London jazz circuit, Denys displayed extraordinary talent, energy and commitment. Spotted by veteran Jazz Warriors double bassist, Gary Crosby at the bassist’s regular Tomorrow’s Warriors jam sessions, Denys was immediately invited to join Crosby’s new band, Nu Troop. Since then, Denys has soared in his development as a soloist and bandleader, earning enormous respect from his peers. Over the years, Denys has evolved into what Time Magazine describes as “the icon of British jazz”, with a most distinctive and immediately recognisable sound. A much sought-after soloist, Denys has played/recorded with some of the biggest names in jazz and other genres including McCoy Tyner, Andrew Hill, Ernest Ranglin, Bheki Mseleku, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, Michael Bowie, Courtney Pine, Manu Dibango, Gary Crosby, Steve Williamson, Julian Joseph, Jason Rebello, Martin Taylor, Lonnie Plaxico, Ralph Moore, Billy Higgins, Jerry Dammers, Sean Oliver, Jean Carne, Marlena Shaw, Noel McCoy, Juliet Roberts, Incognito, Jazz Jamaica, and others of distinction. Denys is also an enormously talented composer/arranger, whose brilliant compositions have already earned him immense critical acclaim. Be Where You Are – his 1999 debut album on independent jazz label, Dune Records – earned him a Mercury Music Prize for An Album Of The Year and a MOBO award for Best Jazz Act. He followed this in 2001 with his second album, Alternating Currents (Dune Records DUNECD05) also receiving great critical acclaim. 2003 saw the release of his third, and perhaps most ambitious, recording/touring project to date: Commissioned by the Cheltenham Jazz Festival/Jerwood Foundation ‘Let Freedom Ring!’ is an inspirational, uplifting suite combining contemporary jazz, gospel, blues and was nominated for Best Album and Best New Work in the BBC Jazz Awards, for Best Jazz Act in the MOBO (Music Of Black Origin) Awards, and Best Album in the UK Parliamentary Jazz Awards. Denys’ current touring projects include;- - Late Trane – a powerful and commanding new reimagining and reworking of ten carefully chosen compositions from John Coltrane’s late music (from 1963 - 1967) with a fresh and modern new interpretation. - A special tribute to American legend Joe Henderson’s Blue Note albums featuring Byron Wallen, Bruno Heinen, Larry Bartley and Winston Clifford. - Triumvirate sees Denys team up with Larry Bartley and Cassius Cobbson as they take quality songs of the recent past and reinterpret them in trio format to ‘present familiar material in an unfamiliar way’. The arrangements are fluid improvised pieces that from such diverse artists as Gnarls Barkley, Cindy Lauper, Bill Withers and many others. 2023 saw Denys join The Andrew McCormack Trio as a special guest for a series of live shows, recapturing some of the magic of Denys' epic "Let Freedom Ring" project and his ‘Be where you are’ albums.

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London-born, US-based bass player and record producer Janek Gwizdala is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after jazz bassists of our time. Janek has been on the international music scene for over twenty years, touring as a band leader and working as a musical director or sideman with some of the most respected names in the industry. These include Randy Brecker, Mike Stern, Carlos Santana, Hiram Bullock, John Mayer, Airto Moreira, Chuck Loeb, Peter Erskine, Flora Purim, Pat Metheny, Eric Marienthal, Billy Cobham, Chad Wackerman, Bob James, John Patitucci, Rick Margitza, Bob Mintzer, Bob Reynolds, Mitch Forman, Bob Sheppard, Mark Turner, Tosin Abasi, Aaron Parks, Marcus Miller, Jojo Mayer, Paul Shafer, Delta Goodrem, Adam Rogers, Gregoire Maret, Clarence Penn, Gretchen Parlato, Horacio El Negro Hernandez, Donny McCaslin, Lenny Castro, Kazumi Watanabe, Brandon Fields, Mark Guiliana, Ronny Jordan, Luis Conte, Dennis Chambers, Lionel Loueke, Kenny Werner, Eric Harland, Steve Smith, Vital Information, Benny Greb, Kenwood Dennard, and Wayne Krantz. As a recording artist, Janek has released twelve albums as a band leader; as an author, has published thirteen critically acclaimed books; and has toured the world extensively as both a musician and a lecturer & clinician at the world’s leading educational establishments. In addition to live appearances with The Janek Gwizdala Trio, which includes pianist Tom Cawley (Peter Gabriel, Trudy Kerr, Acoustic Ladyland) and drummer Cliff Almond (Patti Labelle, Chris Potter, Michel Camilo, Tito Puente, Wayne Krantz, Eddie Palmieri, Chuck Loeb, Tom Scott, Michael Brecker), Janek will be performing internationally in projects with Bob Reynolds and Steve Smith throughout the rest of 2023. Janek will undoubtedly have a stellar year in 2024, appearing at the world's leading festivals and clubs, both with his own projects and alongside other celebrated artists. Early booking is advised!

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Paul Reed Smith Band is a band of high-level musicians who are friends and have “locked” together recording and performing a new kind of groove with its roots in Baltimore funk, DC go-go and New Orleans swing. Featuring members of Paul's 'Eightlock' project - the excitement around this “3 drummer groove” is contagious. The band’s first CD was released in December of 2023 to critical acclaim and European tours are planned for Spring/Summer 2025 with personnel drawn from the following incredible 'Eightlock' musicians; Mia Samone- “Must hear” new Baltimore voice Gary Grainger- Bass, John Scofield/George Duke/Bill Evans Greg Grainger- Drummer, Whitney Houston/Acoustic Alchemy/Kim Waters. Dennis Chambers- Modern Drummer Hall of Fame; Santana/Parliament-Funkadelic Ju Ju House- Drummer, Chuck Brown/EU Michael Ault- Renowned Washington D.C. guitarist Bill Nelson- Baltimore guitarist and singer Paul Reed Smith- World-renowned guitar maker/guitar player A video outlining the band’s live talents is complete and displayed on a John Mayer song, “Last Train Home.” Paul Reed Smith Eightlock and team are excited as the recordings “jump out of the speakers” and live sounds like guns/fireworks going off. By the way, if you haven’t had the chance to see Mia sing live, she’s a must-have. Funkgurus are delighted to represent the Paul Reed Smith tour during their planned tour of Europe in 2025.

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On arrival by critics as the toughest and most creative group of his career, Tommy Smith’s KARMA sees the brilliant Scottish saxophonist lead a band of virtuosic musicians on a deeply grooving acid jazz adventure that draws on influences from around the world. Comprising Tommy Smith on tenor and soprano saxophones and Shakuhachi flute, mega-talented pianist and keyboardist Peter Johnstone, six-string bass guitar sensation Kevin Glasgow and jet-powered drummer Alyn Cosker, KARMA presents the music of gobsmacking energy and superb inventiveness. Writing for these musicians has given Smith a new edge. KARMA’S ten brand new compositions, while acknowledging past masters including Weather Report and Michael Brecker, drive forward concisely and urgently into the urban club culture of the current age with occasional pauses in a chill-out zone that evokes Smith’s native Scottish landscapes and Japanese meditation rites. This is invigorating music of high quality presented with authoritative skill and boundless vitality and imagination by musicians playing at a creative peak, a truly KARMIC experience. Tommy Smith OBE is one of the world’s leading saxophonists. A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, when he toured internationally with vibes virtuoso Gary Burton’s Whiz Kids quintet, Smith has gone on to record with the definitive jazz label, Blue Note and work with myriad jazz greats, including Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, Dame Cleo Laine, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Arild Andersen, Dizzy Gillespie and Trilok Gurtu to name but a few.

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Tommy Smith, OBE is one of the world’s leading saxophonists.  A presence on the global jazz scene since his teenage years, when he toured internationally with vibes virtuoso Gary Burton’s Whiz Kids quintet, Smith has gone on to record with the definitive jazz label, Blue Note and work with myriad jazz greats, including Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, Dame Cleo Laine, John Scofield, Randy Brecker, Jack DeJohnette, Arild Andersen, Dizzy Gillespie and Trilok Gurtu to name but a few. Since leaving Berklee College of Music, an experience that shaped his affirmative approach to jazz, he has recorded over thirty solo albums for Blue Note, Linn, ECM and his own Spartacus Record label, toured 50+ countries and performed with many influential figures in modern twentieth-century jazz.  Tommy’s current live projects include spectacular solo acoustic concerts in churches and cathedrals, where he performs a repertoire of jazz ballads, folk tunes, classical themes and Gregorian chants, combined with lively conversation with the audience. His KARMA project with keyboardist Steve Hamilton, six-string bass guitar sensation Kevin Glasgow and jet-powered drummer Alyn Cosker will be back in action for 2024. His excellent duos with pianists Gwilym Simcock, Pete Johnstone and Makoto Ozone, whom Tommy first met as members of Gary Burton’s quartet in the 1980s, perform at festivals worldwide and his Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is available for larger festivals and events both at home and abroad. Tommy is also available as part of a trio with Norwegian bassist Arild Andersen and drummer Thomas Strønen, which has performed at a number of international festivals, including the North Sea Jazz Festival. Although he is primarily a jazz composer, noted for assertive large-scale pieces such as Torah, World of the Gods, Spirit of Light and Beauty and the Beast, Smith’s work has frequently taken him into other spheres such as classical composition and poetry. He released his symphonic work Modern Jacobite, recorded in Glasgow with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and worked extensively with Glasgow’s inaugural poet laureate, Edwin Morgan to create 55 works of poetry and music. Tommy is founder of the SNJO and Head of Jazz and Professor at Scotland’s Royal Conservatoire. In 2019, he received an Order of the British Empire from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh and in addition to his BBC Heart of Jazz Award, he received two Parliamentary Jazz Awards, and nine Scottish Jazz Awards.

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Exceptional pianist/composer and long-term Kyle Eastwood Band member Andrew McCormack has built a diverse international career with many appearances at major festivals and concert halls all over the globe. His latest trio album, 'Terra Firma,' was released in October 2022, with highly successful follow-up UK and Europe tours in 2023. The first single received a positive response, with over 150k streams in the first month alone, and Jazz FM's Dinner Jazz show naming 'Fragile' their track of the week. A new album entitled 'Luminosity' will be released in Spring 2025.  Andrew has toured, recorded and collaborated with an impressive array of internationally established musicians, including Randy Brecker, Quincy Jones, Jamie Cullum, Jean Toussaint, Jason Yarde and most recently Kyle Eastwood, which has seen him contribute to the scores and orchestrations of several Clint Eastwood films. As a leader, his debut album Telescope in 2005 received universal acclaim and earned him a BBC jazz award for rising star the following year, with the pianist later returning to the trio format with a series of critically acclaimed albums including Live In London in 2012 and First Light in 2014. The latter includes a New York rhythm section as evidence of his three-year stay in the city. The pianist teamed up with composer/saxophonist Jason Yarde to form the McCormack & Yarde Duo with their first album release together, MY DUO in 2009. The duo has since gone on to firmly establish itself with international tours and further album releases that have garnered widespread critical recognition for their developments in the genre. Places And Other Spaces was released in 2011 and they followed up in 2013 to feature the Elysian String Quartet on the eclectic, Juntos. In 2020, he released SOLO to across-the-board 4/5 star reviews, adding another strength to his already diverse portfolio. Using a mixture of originals, standard and not-so-standard repertoire, the pianist demonstrates his compelling ideas, composing, and thrilling performances in the stripped-down intimate setting of solo piano. Andrew McCormack has consistently demonstrated a compelling setting for his musical ideas, a platform for virtuosic improvisation, and a constant revivifying and adaptive embodiment of the jazz tradition. Award-winning UK saxophonist Denys Baptiste joined Andrew's trio as a special guest for a series of live shows in 2023, recapturing some of the magic of Denys' epic "Let Freedom Ring" project and his ‘Be where you are’ album, which won two of the UK music industry's most prestigious awards in 1999: a Mercury Music Prize Award for An Album Of The Year plus the MOBO Award for Best Jazz Act. Andrew will perform a run of shows with his trio in 2024/25 with Kyle Eastwood as special guest and a UK/European tour in 2025 to support his new album entitled Luminosity.

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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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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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Carlos Santana, Tower of Power, Aretha Franklin and Rick James are just a few of the Soul/R&B legends that Ray Greene has lent his silky-smooth vocals to. Ray Greene is a singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist living in Boston, Massachusetts. He received a degree in Music Performance at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. Being brought up in the shadows of the great Soul/R&B legends of our time, Ray is equally adept at the traditions of Gospel, Jazz and Blues. Ray was selected from among several candidates around the country to serve as lead singer/trombonist for legendary Soul band Tower of Power, where he served for two years traveling throughout the US and Canada, as well as performances in Europe and Japan. He was then asked to join famed guitarist and Woodstock performer Carlos Santana, where he currently travels extensively to places all over the world; from Dubai, Singapore and Australia, to Monaco, Mexico and South Africa. Santana’s music has been a tremendous showcase for Greene’s abilities as a vocalist, trombonist and percussionist. With his brand new album called "Stay", he effortlessly blends Soul, R&B and Jazz, making it obvious why these greats have wanted to work with him. Apart from being an outstanding singer, Ray is also an accomplished trombonist, as he's proven by appearing alongside the Tower of Power horn section on their last two releases, in addition to Santana's album entitled "Africa Speaks.” "Stay" is a Soul/R&B album that hearkens back to the days of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding, who delivered such power and determination in their approach to singing their classic material. This project begs the question, “what would these gentlemen be doing if they were still with us today?” or, more specifically, “what type of music would Bobby Womack or Jackie Wilson be listening to?” The album features an exceptional array of talent, including Santana guitarist and vocalist Tommy Anthony, Tower of Power guitarist Jerry Cortez, along with bassist Ray McKinley, who performs and tours with Sheila E. Greene has most recently signed a licensing and recording deal with Ubuntu Records in the UK to release 'Stay' in the Spring of 2023, where he embarked on his first-ever solo tour to Europe with his band. Funkgurus are delighted to offer Ray Greene for bookings for 2024 and 2025.

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Legendary multi-Grammy and Emmy award-winning bassist Robert Hurst has a career spanning more than 30 years. He has played a key role in the music of artists including Wynton Marsalis, Branford Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Harry Connick Jr., Terence Blanchard, Tony Williams, Nicholas Payton, Sting, Carl Allen, and the legendary Pharaoh Sanders. Currently on stage with Ravi Coltrane, Orrin Evans, Chris Davis, and Diana Krall, Robert is also a highly respected and well-recognized composer, having produced seven acclaimed albums as a leader as well as composing for and appearing on over 30 major motion film and video soundtracks, including “Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen” and “Good Night and Good Luck.” You may also recognize Robert Hurst as the inaugural bassist in the house band of “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno for eight seasons, from 1992 to 1999. In late 2024, Robert's 'BeBob' Records will release an archival studio recording of the "This That and the Third" project with Robert, Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff "Tain" Watts. To continue this project, 30 years on, Robert returns to the studio to record new music with the quartet, adding renowned pianist Orrin Evans, with the album set for release in early 2025 and touring the USA and Europe soon after. As a recording musician and producer, Robert has contributed as a performer and/or producer on over 250 diverse and critically acclaimed recordings. A select group of these productions have garnered seven GRAMMY® Awards, several RIAA ® certified-Multi-Platinum and Gold recordings, while his own seven recordings as a Bandleader have all generated Top Ten and Five Star recognition around the Globe. In addition to his work as a performer, Robert is also a highly respected and well-recognized composer, having produced seven acclaimed albums as a leader as well as composing the original music scores for several films, including: “The Wood”- MTV/Paramount Productions, “Brown Sugar”- Fox Films. Hurst appears on over 30 Major Motion Film & Video Soundtracks and has featured solos and performances captured on Blockbusters: “Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen,” and “Good Night, and Good Luck,” the soundtrack featuring Dianne Reeves. You may also recognize Robert Hurst as the inaugural bassist in the house band of “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno for eight seasons, from 1992 to 1999. His work in performing, directing, arranging, and composing on the NBC program was highlighted with four EMMY® Awards in 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1999. Universally recognized as an authoritative presence in today's industry, Robert's reach of influence has led to his position on the ISIM Advisory Council and since 2002, serving on the Board of Directors for The John and Alice Coltrane Foundation. As an educator, Robert currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Music, with Tenure, and the Director of Small Jazz Ensembles in the Department of Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance in Ann Arbor. Keen to maintain agency of his recorded music and with a strong desire to curate music of the next generation, Robert established his own label, BeBob Records, which will be fully launched internationally in 2024. Not only serving as a vehicle for his current recording projects, in the summer of this year, BeBob Records will release a number of archival recordings, including among others, a trio album, featuring Elvin Jones and Kenny Kirkland. Robert also has a number of recordings featuring new music for his current projects in production and set for release over the next 12 months. Robert's current projects include "Black Current Jam," an eclectic project at the intersection of jazz and beyond, a Duo and Trio project featuring pianist Ian Finkelstein and drummer Karriem Riggins, continuing the D3 tradition that featured the late iconic pianist Geri Allen. In late 2024, BeBob Records will release an archival studio recording of the 'This That and the Third' project featuring Branford Marsalis, Kenny Kirkland, and Jeff "Tain" Watts. To continue this project, 30 years on, Robert returns to the studio to record new music with this quartet adding in Orrin Evans with the album set for release in early 2025. This Quartet will be touring the USA and Europe in 2025.

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Firmly established as one of the best Soul, Blues, Rock and Funk bands on the circuit, G-FUNK presents an unmissable chance to see world-class musicians cut loose and play a selection of classic tunes. G-FUNK is a truly amazing band and features Acoustic Alchemy star, Gibson Guitarist of the Year and Grammy Nominee Miles Gilderdale, the brilliant Jay Rowe on keys, and amazing US session stars, brothers Gary and Greg Grainger on bass & drums. The Grainger Brothers’ talent and prowess in the world of music and rhythm is unparalleled. Between the two of them, Gary Grainger on bass and Greg on drums have recorded or performed with the likes of Whitney Houston, and John Scofield and together opened up for Earth Wind And Fire while on tour with their band, Pockets, all while keeping their musical roots and strong brotherhood bond at the forefront of their work. Jay Rowe is a pianist and keyboard player with more than 20 years of experience working with artists such as Nelson Rangell, Chieli Minucci & Special EFX, Marion Meadows, Angela Bofill, Ken Navarro, Phil Perry, the late Wayman Tisdale and Dotsero among many others G-FUNK combines the skills of these amazing musicians into sell out show 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 sax stars Snake Davis, Jessy J and Jeff Kashiwa to name but a few. Over the years G-FUNK band members 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, Mike Stern, Bill Evans, Robben Ford, 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! Funkgurus are proud to represent G-FUNK to international festival bookers and event organisers looking for a quality act with absolute credibility.

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Linn recording artist Claire Martin has to worldwide critical acclaim, established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene gaining many awards, including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career which spans over three decades. In 2018 she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz. Claire became a professional singer at 19 and two years later realised her dream of singing at Ronnie Scott’s legendary jazz club in London Soho. Signed to the prestigious Glasgow based Linn Records in 1990, Claire has since released 18 CDs with the label, collaborating with musical luminaries including Martin Taylor, John Martyn, Stephane Grappelli, Kenny Barron, Richard Rodney Bennett and Jim Mullen on many of these recordings. Claire has performed worldwide with her trio and, until his death in 2012, worked extensively with the celebrated composer and pianist Sir Richard Rodney Bennett in a cabaret duo setting both in England and the US where they played to sell-out houses at venues including the prestigious Algonquin Hotel in New York City. Claire will release her new album ‘I Watch You Sleep’ which is a collaboration with the American conductor and pianist Scott Dunn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in March 2023. On this they pay homage to their dear friend Sir Richard by recording his songs alongside songs that Richard loved to perform. Claire will also be performing with her trio of Rob Barron on piano, Jeremy Brown on bass and Mark Taylor on drums recreating the songs from the album and touring the UK throughout the year. Claire appears as a featured soloist with the Halle Orchestra, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the RTE Concert Orchestra, the Royal Northern Sinfonia, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Concert Orchestra. Claire co-presented BBC Radio 3’s flagship jazz program ‘Jazz Line Up’ from 2000 to 2017 and interviewed many of her musical heroes such as Pat Metheny and the late Michael Brecker. At the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June 2011 Claire was delighted to be awarded an OBE for her Services to Jazz. Claire was thrilled to win both the 2009 and 2010 ‘Best Vocalist’ category at the British Jazz Awards and toured extensively throughout the UK, Scandinavia, Russia and China, appearing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and her world-class trio. Claire’s live projects for 2025 include;- The continuation of her 2024 tour of Europe with her accomplished Swedish trio, led by the exceptional pianist and arranger Martin Sjöstedt, for their latest collaborative endeavor - 'Almost in Your Arms' (Stunt Records). Uppsala-born pianist/arranger Martin Sjöstedt leads the trio comprising bassist Niklas Fernqvist and drummer Daniel Fredriksson. Sjöstedt, one of Sweden’s most gifted and talked about jazz musicians, has created imaginative new arrangements of contemporary material exclusively for this exciting project. iG4 is a new intergenerational band of four of the UK's finest jazz talent sharing their love of great songs and composers. Vocalist Claire Martin OBE joins multi-award-winning pianist and composer Nikki Iles, much-in-demand saxophonist Karen Sharp, and rising star bassist Ewan Hastie, who won the BBC's Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2022. Brand new arrangements written for this project by Nikki will shine a light on classic repertoire from Tom Waits to Burch Bacharach, Anthony Newly, and Joni Mitchell, as well as stylish reworkings from the great writers of the American songbook, including Cole Porter and Johnny Mandel. Claire also continues to team up with the legendary Scottish guitarist Jim Mullen for an intimate night of great American songbook classics and other lesser-known gems. Joined by in-demand bassist Adam King offering a swinging and soulful night of classic songs celebrating songwriters from Cole Porter to Donald Fagan. Claire's Duo with Ian Shaw - 'A Century Of Song' brings these two award-winning jazz singers together after their initial meeting over 25 years ago. Alongside their highly successful solo careers, they have forged a musical partnership that has performed from New York to Vietnam and celebrates a hundred years of popular song - from the songs of hope written during The First World War to the American Songbook and Beatles, Bowie and Joni Mitchell. With just Ian's piano as accompaniment, this will be a musical evening to be remembered for a long time.

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Legendary American funk and soul jazz organist Ronnie Foster recorded his much-sampled Blue Note Records in the 1970s and has gained a cult following with the emergence of acid jazz. After moving to New York City, Ronnie performed as a sideman with a wide range of musicians and frequently worked with guitarist George Benson, Grant Green, Grover Washington, Jr., Stanley Turrentine, Roberta Flack, Earl Klugh, Harvey Mason, Jimmy Smith, and Stevie Wonder. The 2022 return of Ronnie Foster to Blue Note Records is an event of synergistic quintessence, completeness, and cool. The organ great’s dynamic new album, Reboot, arrives upon the 50th anniversary of his 1972 Blue Note debut, Two Headed Freap, which is also being reissued this year as part of the label’s Classic Vinyl Series. The first in a run of five stellar early-70s albums, Two Headed Freap featured Foster’s memorable tune “Mystic Brew,” which would later reach the ears of hip-hop fans around the world when A Tribe Called Quest sampled the track as the foundation of “Electric Relaxation” on their 1994 album Midnight Marauders. Listeners the world over have heard Foster’s soulful playing, whether from his standout performance on “Summer Soft” from Stevie Wonder’s 1976 masterwork Songs In The Key Of Life, best-selling George Benson albums including Breezin’, or A Tribe Called Quest’s classic hip-hop track “Electric Relaxation,” which sampled Foster’s “Mystic Brew” from Two Headed Freap. There’s so much synergy in the circuitry surrounding Ronnie’s return to Blue Note. The master recorded over two days at the fabled Capitol Studio in Hollywood, where he first set foot in 1976, recording the multiplatinum-selling Breezin’ LP (to which he contributed the song “Lady”) as a member of George Benson’s band. “Blue Note has always stood for The Art of Jazz,” Foster marvels. “I grew up on Blue Note, listening to all the greats.” Mightily hoisting the Blue Note organ torch, Ronnie Foster is the last of the Mohicans yet, ever the youngest and oldest man in that room, thanks to the musical osmosis that was poured into him by all of the greats that preceded him and his relentless curious spirit that keeps him giant steps ahead perched, head-bowed, before his sleek, custom hummin’ Hammond XK-5. Ronnie will tour the UK and Europe in the autumn of 2024 with his trio, which features his son Chris Foster on drums and guitarist Michael O’Neill.

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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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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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The Scottish National Jazz Orchestra (SNJO) is considered by many to be one of Europe’s foremost contemporary big bands. Founder/Director Tommy Smith established the SNJO in 1995 as a not-for-profit organisation with a crystal clear artistic vision and core values of versatility, discipline and expression. It should therefore come as no surprise that many of the leading lights in world jazz have enthusiastically shared the stage with the SNJO. People like Jazzmeia Horn, Cleo Laine, Jacqui Dankworth, John Scofield, Gary Burton, Bobby Watson, Dave Liebman, Joe Lovano, Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Bob Mintzer, Keith Tippett, Branford Marsalis, Joe Locke and many more have all joined the orchestra to explore virtually every room in the house of the jazz. The SNJO repertoire has included re-imaginings of works by the great, the good and the gigantic, including Weather Report, Herman, Rich, Carter, Strayhorn, Goodman, Kenton, Basie, Gillespie, Mingus, Jaco, Corea, Monk, Metheny, Shorter, Miles and Coltrane. They have also recorded vivid interpretations of Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, Gershwin and Ellington to rave reviews and have built a growing library of original compositions underpinned by a deep understanding and appreciation of improvisation. The mission of the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is to cultivate and expand the community for orchestral jazz, through creative performance and education, inspiring and growing audiences, enhancing the reputation of jazz from Scotland on the world stage. Please get in touch below to learn more about booking opportunities for the following SNJO touring shows. Apr 2024 RSNO Collaboration - RHAPSODY IN BLUE with Makoto Ozone Sep 2024 Kurt Elling Swings The Classics Nov 2024 New Perspectives of Ellingtonia (new commissions) Jan 2025 Discovering The Genius of Dundee’s Jimmy Duechar Mar 2025 ‘21 SPICES’ featuring Indian Percussionist Trilok Gurtu

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Celebrated international artists also booking through Funkgurus Artist Management. Grainger - The Grainger brothers have become one of the most sought-after and respected rhythm sections in the world. (Whitney Houston, Acoustic Alchemy, Kim Waters, Peaches & Herb, Lonnie Liston Smith, Pockets, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana, John Schofield, Bill Evans, Mike Stern, Robben Ford.) Kim Waters - Chart-Topping Saxophonist Kim Waters is heralded as “Simply one of the planet’s best saxophonists” by JazzTimes Magazine. The prolific chart-topping saxophonist, composer and producer has enjoyed a career for three decades and has reigned as one of the premier architects of Urban Smooth and Contemporary Jazz. Reach for It - is a celebration of a master musician George Duke. Impeccable ensemble musicianship combines with Brazilian vibes, friendly funk and some very groovy jazz. Featuring heavyweight UK session players Carl Hudson, Winston Blissett (Massive Attack), Karlos Edwards, Geoff Dunn and guest vocalists such as Imaani from Incognito. Nim Sadot Pays homage to his roots in his newest project - a hypnotic sonic tapestry that blends traditional influences with a forward-looking and contemporary approach. Originally from Israel, Nim has played with some of the top names in the jazz world including Harvey Mason (USA), Marlene (Japan,CBS,SONY), Snow Boy (UK), Makoto Kuriya (Japan) and Tony Lakatos. Tamil Rogeon is a violinist and composer, whose work traverses classical, jazz and electronic traditions. His soaring 2020 modal jazz record, Son of Nyx, was album of the week on Jazz FM UK and PBS FM and featured on BBC6. The record was praised in Jazzwise, for its ‘sumptuous string arrangements and celestial vocal choir’ and described as “deep, modal jazz with a gloriously cosmic vibe". Tamil returns in 2024 with Wave Theory, joining forces with Son of Nyx friends and new collaborators, including celebrated trumpeter and label-mate Audrey Powne Listeners can expect the same modal experiments, driving percussion and cosmic synths of Son of Nyx as well as new and exhilarating experiments in electric string instrumentation.

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Swiss-based trio The Next Movement is one of the top acts in the European groove scene. The group blends influences like Prince, Miles Davis, D’Angelo & Jimi Hendrix into their own fresh mix. Their music is meaningful, grooves hard, and will be heard on European festival stages in 2023 alongside established acts such as Dirty Loops, Candy Dulfer, Marcus Miller and Incognito. The release of their soulful-feelgood summer video-single ‘Superfly' and raw, pounding, nonchalant funkcut ‘Voodoo’ set off a series of impactful releases, with props coming from US-music blog 'Earmilk.com' amongst others. The band’s third single ‘I Wanna See You Move’ was the last dancefloor-filling teaser before the release of their much-anticipated album, ‘Loud’, which culminated in a high-energy Swiss tour and an acclaimed sold-out show at the GG Jazz Festival in Russia. Often compared to Anderson. Paak and Prince, The Next Movement have character, authenticity, and urgency – but above all, some serious groove. Their live shows, over 1,000 to date, always deliver and never fail to entertain and impress sold-out crowds. With headline festival appearances with various artists throughout Switzerland and abroad, the band is heading for more big things in 2023 with a tour in support of their fourth studio project entitled ‘The Next Movement’, which is ‘stuffed with groove, neo-soul, and neo-funk’. With a growing UK fanbase after features on Jazz-Funk-Soul Radio and an affiliation with Playliveartist, The Next Movement plan to tour and take the UK by storm soon - watch this space! The Next Movement are;- J.J. Flueck - Drums & Samples, Lead Vocals Pascal "π" Kaeser - Bass & Synth, Backing Vocals Sam Siegenthaler - Guitar & Cowbell, Backing Vocals Funkgurus Artist Management is delighted to represent The Next Movement at festivals and clubs internationally (excluding Switzerland).

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Joe Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Raul Midón, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, Bobby Hutcherson, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna and the Lincoln, Nebraska Symphony. Long known to be a soloist capable of stunning physical power and broad emotional range, it was not until the last decades that he emerged as the composer, bandleader and conceptualist that he is considered today. This is in no small part due to his solo projects since the beginning of the 2000s: ‘Four Walls of Freedom’, the EarShot award-winning ‘Live in Seattle’ with its 2012 successor ‘Signing’, and the chamber trio release ‘VIA’ can be attributed to the talents of Locke’s exceptional collaborators and to the leader’s musical philosophy which is to honor tradition while keeping both feet planted in the present and future. The foundation of Locke’s vast spectrum is his immense stylistic versatility and ability to create artistic depth in a variety of contexts, having performed in an array of projects from symphonic recordings and poetry-inspired suites, to jazz radio chart-topping blues and ballads collections and high-energy, rock-like fusion. His newest release, ‘Makram’, is a deeply emotive work and focuses largely on original music, with classics by Cole Porter and Billy Strayhorn bookending the recording, celebrating Locke’s unique ability to marry the complex with the familiar. Locke is a six-time recipient of the Jazz Journalists Association’s Mallet Instrumentalist of the Year Award, has received two Earshot Golden Ear Awards for Concert of the Year and the 2013 Hot House NYC Jazz Awards for Best Vibes Player, and keeps topping critics and readers polls. He holds the title of Honorary Associate of the Royal Academy Of Music (Hon ARAM), London, and is an active clinician and educator in the United States and in Europe. In 2016 Joe was honoured with induction into the Music Hall of Fame of his hometown Rochester, NY. Joe will tour Europe in 2024, supporting the release of Makram, his latest album featuring a selection of new compositions and a return to his celebrated quartet with pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Lorin Cohen, and drummer Samvel Sarkisyan.

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