Artist description dr jones aren't your average white funk band. With roots in jazz, soul,and classic rock, the band brings a fresh sound to the genre of acid jazz. The ability to fuse sweet grooves with outstanding song writing sets these guys apart from the rest of the pack and, in an industry, dominated by manufactured bands and cross-over soap celebrities, dr jones are a breath of fresh air, injecting real musicianship and talent into what can only be described as the finest funk in town. Sugar is the long awaited debut album from dr jones. It is an inspired collection of ten original tracks varying from straight down the line funk to jazz-fuelled pop to rock-tinted grooves. While a funk-based album at heart, the band have drawn from a huge range of influences to produce a series of songs that not only showcase their considerable musical and song-writing talents, but give a breadth and depth that offers something for everyone. A follow up to the popular EP, "Time for Medicine", "Sugar" was produced by Euan Macrae at Mister Green Records and has been two years in the making. From original concepts and writing, right down to the final mix, the bands attention to detail and desire to turn out a original and fresh product has shaped the album from day one. With pre-release orders coming in early, and much anticipation and generated over the past twelve months, the wait is finally over. The band has taken several forms over the last six years, finally coming to rest with the current line up, a blend that has proved greatly successful in creating the unique and distinctive sound that dr jones have become renowned for. With a range of influences from Blackmore to Brand New Heavies, it comes as no surprise that the sound created is truly dynamic and fresh, something that is reflected in the energy of their live performances. The band have worked hard at establishing a massive following in Scotland, and now as interest stretches effortlessly across the rest of the UK, it is clear that the band is on the verge of something big. So who are dr jones? In essence they are an outstanding six piece funk band from Edinburgh. Fronting the band is singer Euan Macrae, an exceptionally talented vocalist and the visionary behind the band, who along with Karen Porter establishes the rich melodic edge that sets dr jones apart from the crowd. Keith Tait (guitar) and Niall Howe (keys) provide textures rooted in classic funk whilst injecting great hooks and outrageous solos into the mix. Finally, Ash Kimber (bass) and Mark Inchley (drums) create and drive the underlying grooves that put the funk into the heart of the dr jones sound. This band is not to be overlooked or underestimated. The country's sick. The groove is lost. There's only one solution. get dr jones

Music Style Funk / Acid Jazz

Similar Artists Jamiroquai, Stevie Wonder, Brand New Heavies.

Group Members Euan Macrae: Lead Vocals Karen Porter: Backing Vocals Keith Tait: Lead Guitar Niall Howe: Keyboards Mark Inchley: Drums Ash Kimber: Bass

Albums Sugar

Press Reviews dr jones - Sugar (own label). Reviewer: Stuart Ferguson. Sound Control Magazine. Dr Jones first album opens with a rumbling slap bass, soon joined on the soundstage by a wah-wah guitar and shimmering Rhodes chords, setting the bar high for the level of musical virtuosity displayed throughout. Euan Macrae and Karen Porter share lead vocals, which are skilfully layered, counterpointed and effected to create a sound reminiscent of Hall and Oates at their late seventies peak. There are some great horn charts, in part arranged by Niall Howe who plays a wide range of impressive keyboards throughout...in short, it's lucky this sextet met up, because they would stick out uncomfortably playing with anyone less gifted than each other. Enough about virtuosity, already - play the album a couple of times and the catchy pop/funk tunes, all composed by the band, start to lodge in the brain. Good comparisons are Kokomo, the aforementioned Hall and Oates - the downside would be an occasional tendency toward the likes of Level 42 and the "OK" end of the acid-jazz spectrum. Odious comparisons are just a guideline though, and it has to be said that Dr Jones play with considerably more brio and commitment than many of the acid-jazz clones. They've taken on some of the influences of their heroes but have successfully created their own sound to communicate their message, much of which is spiritual. Discussing spirituality in popular music isn't the most fashionable thing but it didn't stop Prince or Duke Ellington...so cut some slack and feel the groove. Best bits; the lovely, moody two-chord coda of Everything, the bubbling funk/pop of To Be Free and the quiet statement of intent that is Belief. All I Wanna Do could easily be from the pen of one of noughties pop's backroom boys and sounds like a hit single. If there's a criticism to be made, it's only that the style of music Dr Jones play could have benefited from some analogue dirtying-up; the digitally clean production, while portraying all instruments and voices accurately, does take away some sense of drama. But overall, Sugar is an impressive package, available from some of Scotland's more supportive record stores and www.cdbaby.com/drjones Let's hope we hear and indeed see, more of this band.

Location Edinburgh, Scotland - United Kingdom

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