Federation of the Disco Pimp are back! What a comeback show that was after their 5 year hiatus; with an extended line up and new material at the stunning venue; Saint Lukes for Celtic Connections festival. I always knew we were in for a treat but I underestimated just how much… Read on to find out what you missed out on if you weren’t there.
Stephen Henderson’s Modern Vikings
Led by drummer Stephen Henderson the band brings together five very talented jazz musicians. The band creatively mix scottish and scandinavian folk with a jazz fusion twist. Their music was super fresh and accessible and an enjoyable watch, even for non jazzers. The modern vikings were a tight unit of drums (Stephen Henderson) double bass (David Bowden), guitar (Graeme Stephen), keys (Fergus McCreadie) and saxophone (Konrad Wisniewski). The band play with the traditional structure of jazz; the head’ (main theme) and uniquely placed space for each musician to show off their skill. Playing original material Sudo Power and Back home, promising a new album to come that they’ve been working hard on and said they are proud of. Saxophonist Wiszniewski has a stunningly rich tone whilst playing that caried beautifuly in this iconic venue. My favourite track of the night was Carson; a song we were told was about Stephen’s nephew. McCreadie features a lot in this track with a genius piano solo. It reminded me of a child ‘banging’ on the piano keys curiously progressing into more conscious playing as the track built up as if maturing with age; there was a real happy bounce with this tune as mimicking childhood. I found it a strong way to finish a set.
Federation Of The Disco Pimp
First up, before I even discuss the INSANE show on Wednesday can I just applaud the band leader. It’s no mean feat getting a band into a rehersal studio at the best of times, never mind a 10 piece band, when all musicians have different projects on the go too. Learning both new material and pulling out the best from there discography for this special come back show.
After the long wait for this special show, there seemed to be plenty support and love for the band and it was evident in the atmosphere of the venue and the reaction amongst the crowd that this had been long awaited. There was no denying amongst the musicians on the stage that this show meant a lot and they were having an absolute blast.
FODTP mix funk, hip hop and disco creating their own unique vibe and bringing modern funk back to a wider audience. Known for their;endless energy and blistering live sets. This was delieverd in abundance. The band take the ‘pimp’ in their title seriously as many of the band wear fur coats, stereotypical pimp suits and feather boa’s you can’t say they don’t take their wardrobe decisions seriously for the occasion!
Within their 10 piece line up we had; drums, guitar, bass, keys, singers and a four piece horn section. Nicknamed ‘The Lazy Horns’, in my book they definitly don’t deserve that title, being anything but lazy. Taking turns to drive the tracks from the back of the stage. Saxophone players ; Leon Thorne and Dave Towers along with Cameron Jay on trumpet and Pat Kenny on trombone are some of the best around and together they were on fire. Playing killer horn riffs as a section and taking solos each throughout the set. These ‘lazy horns’ put some shift in.
Driving the band in the rhythm section we had Ross Saunders (bass) and Colin Mcgibbon (drums), exciting to watch with both drum and bass getting a chance for some cool solos and fills throughout the set. You don’t have a solid band foundation without bass and drums and both these guys worked seamlessly together and kept the songs moving.
People hear funk and sometimes think that it all sounds the same , wah wah guitar over kill and ‘samey’ licks. Not for guitarist Michael Berrich who was exceptionally creative with his guitar playing. There was as much wah wah as you’d expect for a funk gig but with more beef, more feel and far more grit. He’s most certainly been practicing his jazz and pentatonic scales with some of that fast finger work we witnessed throughout the show.
Marco Cafolla (keys and vocals) is talented and imaginative in his playing. I nicknaked him ‘The James Brown’ of the band on that stage. Ensuring the show runs like a well oiled machine, to time, to tempo to feel. His ‘give it to me one time, two time‘ stabs were a personal favourite of mine throughout the set. Showcasing how insanely in tune the band are as a unit they always hit
There is a lot happening on that stage however every single musician in the band gets a time to shine. At times I was torn on where to look throughout the set as I found every single musician worth watching, soaking in what was going on.
Nothing was standard. Nothing was predictable. Nothing was boring.
Federation of the Disco Pimp are pushing the boundaries of modern funk as we know it and I’m here for it. All incredibly talented musicans in their own right, however as a band what they deliver can’t be matched. Something magical happened on Wednesday night in Saint Lukes and I hope it was the beginning of new times for the band.
A high energy, thrilling and funky performance! I very much urge everyone to check out a show.
