The Soul, Funk & Northern scenes have all seen a fresh resurgence and renewed interest in their musical genres of late. With collectors running out of "old" new material to discover it seems an appropriate time for new artists to step up to the plate and continue carrying the torch!
Much like the industry in the 60s and 70s, for every successful artist or group that receives mainstream exposure there are many more that are working extremely hard to make their break. Groups such as Sharon Jones & The Dapkings have consistently hit the mark with their output to the point that the mainstream media has now picked up on them and given the exposure that they deserve. Continued development of the scene will hopefully see more upcoming bands getting the exposure they deserve!
As some of you that drop by here on the Reg may know, my collecting habits mainly lean towards original 60s & 70s artists but every now and again a current artist releases a record that makes me sit up and take notice! Enter Gemma And The Travellers and their brand new 45, "I'll Do My Way" b/w "I Can't Stop Loving You".
Gemma & The Travellers are by no means a new band, having been together in one guise or another since 2007. Originally a duo, the band is now fronted by Gemma Marchi and the group consists of fellow writer and producer Robert Petersson who plays Guitar, Marcus Camus on bass, Moussa N'diaye on drums, Damian Barbe on Piano and Kevin Hoffman on Saxophone. Recently they have been extensively touring France & the UK as well as making appearances at several festivals and on Craig Charles Funk & Soul Radio Show.
Their new single, "I'll Do My Way" has been released on boutique label Lemon Cake Records and is a 60s tinged track which really showcases the groups talents. Gemma's vocal range is by far and away one of the most powerful I've heard in along time and her voice really drives the record along. The band hold it down behind her with a groovy bassline, fatback drums and nice guitar work and the horns are surprising full sounding considering the one man horn section!
Flip the 45 over and there's a fantastic ballad in "I Can't Stop Loving You" that runs deep with emotion and again shows off the other side to the group.
Gemma & The Travellers have a huge love of Analogue recording equipment and producer Robert Petersson has captured a truly authentic retro sound which compliments this great record. The band have been recently previewing teasers of their new tracks so fingers crossed there will be a full length LP in the very near future! The retro feel runs through to the packaging of the 45 which also enhances the release.
Grab your copy of Gemma & The Travellers - "I'll Do My Way" b/w "I Can't Stop Loving You" HERE
Follow Gemma & The Travellers on their Facebook page HERE
Gemma & The Travellers will be performing at The Blues Kitchen in Camden on Thursday 14th May and The Putney Club on Saturday 16th May. Be sure to drop by and catch them live!
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