The New Mastersounds: Funk Revivalists and Groove Architects
The New Mastersounds are a British instrumental funk and soul quartet from Leeds. Since their formation in 1999, they have become a cornerstone of the modern funk revival, releasing over a dozen studio albums and building a formidable international reputation through relentless touring and a potent live show.
Early career
The band was formed in 1999 by guitarist Eddie Roberts and drummer Simon Allen, who were running a weekly club night in Leeds called "The Cooker." Seeking to recreate the raw, instrumental funk sound of late-1960s greats, they recruited bassist Pete Shand and, after a brief search, organist Bob Birch. Their self-titled debut album was released in 2001 on the German label, One Note Records, immediately establishing their authentic, groove-heavy blueprint.
Breakthrough
The New Mastersounds' breakthrough in the United States came with their 2004 album, This Is What We Do, released on the San Francisco-based label, Foundation. The album's tight, danceable funk resonated deeply with the burgeoning jam band and festival scene. Tracks like "Turn This Thing Around" became staples on college radio and at clubs, solidifying their transatlantic appeal and leading to consistent sold-out tours across North America.
Key tracks
One Note Brown — This early track from their debut became an instant classic in their setlist, showcasing their signature Hammond organ and guitar interplay.
Turn This Thing Around — A definitive anthem that fueled their American breakthrough and remains a high-energy centerpiece of their live performances.
Take What You Need — Featuring vocals from Corinne Bailey Rae, this 2007 track demonstrated their ability to seamlessly integrate soulful singers into their instrumental framework.
Carrot Juice — A later-period track known for its infectious, driving rhythm and a standout example of their mature, locked-in groove.
The band's prolific output continued on labels like Record Kicks and their own Color Red, with albums like 2012's Out On The Faultline and 2014's Made For Pleasure. They have collaborated with a host of vocalists including Dionne Charles, Lamar Williams Jr., and the legendary Chaka Khan, who guested on the 2023 single "Get On The Good Foot." Their consistent touring, including major festival appearances like Bonnaroo and North Sea Jazz, has cemented their status as a premier live act in the funk and soul genre.
Fans of The New Mastersounds' energetic, instrumental funk may also enjoy the sounds of The Budos Band for their Afro-influenced, heavy instrumental soul. The James Taylor Quartet shares the UK acid jazz and funk pedigree. Orgone delivers a similarly raw and authentic West Coast funk sound, while The Greasy Beats explore a comparable vein of vintage-inspired instrumental groove.
The music of The New Mastersounds is a staple on specialty funk, soul, and jam band radio stations featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly featured in rotations on independent music radio stations and dedicated funk online radio streams, celebrated for their authentic vibe and dancefloor energy.
Listeners can discover the deep catalog and driving rhythms of The New Mastersounds by tuning into the funk and soul radio stations available on onairium.com, where their music is frequently played for fans of instrumental groove.
