Kokomo’s 1975 debut album is considered a classic among collectors, whilst the band’s reputation as one of the finest ‘groove’ units ever to come out of this country remains largely intact.
British soul pioneers Kokomo built their reputation and loyal following with a series of awesome live shows. Featuring some of UK’s finest musicians and vocalists (recruited from bands such as Arrival, Joe Cocker’s Grease Band and King Crimson) who shared a deep passion for American Soul music, Kokomo were in a class of their own and in 1975 took London by storm! They joined the seminal ‘Naughty Rhythms’ tour alongside Dr Feelgood and Chilli Willi & the Red Hot Peppers,
Bob Dylan, who was signed to the same label, also admired the group — when Kokomo visited New York that July to launch their album in America, Dylan recruited them to the early sessions for his forthcoming ‘Desire’ album.
Kokomo’s enduring pedigree is evidenced by how many of the original members have gone on to enjoy considerable success in their subsequent careers. Jim Mullen is now a much feted award-winning jazz guitarist, Neil Hubbard’s discography is impressive to say the least – recording and touring with the likes of Joe Cocker’s Grease Band, Roxy Music, Robert Palmer, BB King, Buddy Guy, Dexy’s… and is at present back working with Bryan Ferry, Jody Linscott continues to work with everyone from McCartney to Will Young, Mel Collins’ sax work has graced albums and gigs by Dire Straits, Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones, to name but a few, and recently found himself back touring with King Crimson; Tony O’Malley has forged a successful solo career here and in Europe, Frank Collins toured and recorded with Terence Trent D’Arby and he, along with Dyan Birch and Paddie McHugh, were in great demand as session vocalists and toured with Bryan Ferry amongst others.
In 2014, Kokomo reformed and played a sold out tour. Following additional dates since then eg Ronnie Scotts and The 100 Club the band return to The 100 Club for what will be a very special London gig.
Crowd Company
A modern take on vintage soul funk from acclaimed 8 piece London band Crowd Company.
They recently released their 2nd album ’Stone & Sky’ on Vintage League Music, produced by Alan Evans (Soulive) to critical acclaim.
“An absolute gem” Blues & Soul
“Excellent, lowdown funk” BBC 6 Music
“At the forefront of modern British funk” Music-News
The band have received rave reviews and airplay of their previous album ‘Now or Never’ across Europe, including being playlisted on the BBC Radio 6 Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show.
Crowd Company are renowned for dynamic, engaging performances. The band have drawn accolades from their musical peers and have shared the stage with the likes of George Porter Jr from The Meters, Monophonics, Daptone Records Saun&Starr, The New Mastersounds, James Taylor Quartet.
DJ Perry Louis
Perry Louis is one of the UK’s top old-school jazz dancers and founder of JazzCotech. Through a dance career spanning more than 25 years he has amassed a lot of records, and can now boast a collection of over 20,000.
As well as DJing regularly at London’s only monthly jazz dance session, Shiftless Shuffle, Perry has DJ’d all over the UK and abroad including Ireland, Denmark and Japan. Perry was also a resident DJ for many years at Messin’ Around — both at The Jazz Cafe and The 100 Club.