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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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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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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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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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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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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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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British-Nigerian singer/songwriter Ola Onabulé is one of the finest vocalists and contemporary artists of our time. As a performer, Ola has gained worldwide critical acclaim as the consummate artist. With emotional intensity and sophisticated theatricality, he utilizes the whole stage, engaging the audience, displaying vocal virtuosity interspersed with poignant storytelling. Both industry and audiences have come to realize that no specific language is needed to connect with this amazing artist, the music says it all. In an independent career spanning more than 20 years, Ola has performed at many of the most respected international jazz festivals including Montreal, Vancouver, San Sebastian, Istanbul, Washington, and Umbria, as well as at concert halls and Jazz clubs worldwide, building and consolidating a reputation with audiences globally. He has presented music from his albums with his quartet/quintet as well as with much larger ensembles of big bands and symphonic orchestras, such as the WDR Big Band of Cologne, the SWR Big Band of Stuttgart, and the Danish Radio Big Band, Copenhagen, and the Big Band Jazz Y Mexico in Mexico City. He has built an enviably solid music career through a relentless schedule both in the recording studio and as an international touring performer. He has always been interested in crossing cultural and musical boundaries. The emotion and virtuosity in his three-and-a-half octave baritone voice channels his poignant storytelling, which has given life to previous studio works exploring his Nigerian roots, his Western upbringing, family life, and musical influences ranging from jazz to soul, world, and pop. An ever-present theme in all his creative output, Onabulé; views on social injustice become the focus of this latest release, with an intensity and boldness reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. The 14 original tracks on Point Less tell tales of violence, immigration, xenophobia, betrayal, and dignity, at once celebrating life and warning the social forces threatening it. In these songs, the artist ponders on our contemporary lack of historical memory which allows mistrust and fear to rule; asks philosophical questions about violence; reflects on what real power is: force or spirituality; tries to depict true love beyond all simple stereotypes; takes inspiration by Kipling’s poem “We and They” to try and understand the notion of “the other”. Following Onabulé's critically acclaimed 2015 recording, It’s The Peace That Deafens, with its strong musical and thematic connections to Nigeria, Point Less once again offers an insight into the songwriter’s fiercely independent artistic and entrepreneurial world. Onabulé's reach is global connecting with audiences worldwide through his soulful voice and his elegant appearance. Whether live on stage or on record, he gives a thoughtful interpretation of his experiences and the world around him, with music crafted with meticulous attention to detail in his arrangements and production.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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