BRITISH FUNK PIONEERS CYMANDE TO TOUR U.S.
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1973
Bonnaroo, SummerStage Central Park and D.C. Jazz Festival All Stops On Their U.S. Tour
May 24, 2016 – Cymande, the British-based funk music pioneers, emerged as innovators of the funk music scene during the early 1970s. Influenced by their Caribbean heritage, the band combined reggae and Rastafarian rhythms with funk, soul, R&B, jazz and rock to create a new and exciting sound which captivated audiences throughout the United Kingdom, United States, Europe and the continent of Africa.
The music of Cymande conveyed a true spirit of “togetherness”. This is reflected in the band’s emblem which incorporated a dove with the head of a Rastaman and symbolized peace and love.
They made history in 1973 by becoming the first British-based band to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Cymande’s legacy stands strong - they are one of the most sampled black British bands of all time.Cymande's music heavily influenced the Rare Groove/Deep House scene of the 1980’s and sampling by artists such as De La Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Fugees kept their music relevant. The Guardian (UK) called them the “unsung, heroes of the black British music scene.”
They defined their sound as “NYAH-ROCK” based on the fusion of Rastafarian rhythms with other musical styles, R&B, Soul, Jazz.
Cymande founder members, Patrick Patterson and Steve Scipio, reunited in 2011 with original members Sam Kelly, Mike Rose, Pablo Gonzales and Derrick Gibbs to record a new album, A Simple Act of Faith, under the guidance of their original producer, John Schroeder. After several successful European tours, the band has finally scheduled their first U.S. tour in over four decades.
“We are looking forward with great anticipation to Cymande’s first tour of the United States in 40 years,” Steve Scipio remarked. “Our musical journey has taken us many places but America will always have a special place in our hearts because it was there, way back in the 70s, that the distinctive sound of Cymande’s music found its deepest and most sustained recognition and acceptance,”
"In 1973 we had the privilege of undertaking our first tour of the United States of America. During that tour we appeared at some amazing venues including the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Rutgers University,……and what for us stands out as an enormous privilege in playing at the iconic Apollo theatre in a residency for one week alongside some iconic names in music,” added Patrick Patterson.
Formed in 1971 by Patrick Patterson (guitar, vocals) and Steve Scipio (bass, vocals). The core members of the band comprised them along with: Sam Kelly (drums), Mike Rose (sax, flute, percussion), Pablo Gonsales (percussion, vocals) and Derrick Gibbs (alto sax). They were later joined by Ray King and Joey Dee (vocals) as well as Peter Serreo and Desmond Atwell (sax). In 1971 the group met and began to work with record producer John Schroeder, and with his guidance, Cymande recorded their debut album called simply Cymande.
Cymande’s first album was released in the UK on the Alaska Record Label in 1972 and later in the same year, was released in the USA under Janus Records, a division of Chess Records. From that album, the group released two singles “The Message” followed by “Bra.” “The Message” ignited a wave of interest and generated a large following of fans in the U.K and the U.S.A. and reached #22 on the Billboard R&B chart. The Group began touring across America with the likes of R&B soul music super star Al Green and later went on to tour with Jerry Butler, Patti La Belle, Billy Preston, Ramsey Lewis, Edwin Starr and Albert King.
The Band’s debut album became the fastest selling album on the Janus record label. Cymande went on to record two further albums with producer John Schroeder, Second Time Round (1973) and Promised Heights(1974). Late in 1974 Jimmy Lindsay replaced Joey Dee on lead vocals when Joey left to pursue a solo career. Cymande stopped performing in 1975.
Cymande released a brand new critically acclaimed album in 2015: A Simple Act of Faith which was recorded with their original producer, John Schroeder.
All four of the band's albums are available again for sale in the U.S. digitally and on CD through Alliance. A Simple Act of Faith is also available on Vinyl. Visit: http://www.deepdiscount.com/deep-cymande-sale/b229724?utm_source=Press-Release-Special&utm_medium=Press-Release&utm_campaign=DDMAY2016&utm_content=CymandeMay2016
The band are now planning a series of worldwide live performances and festival appearances throughout what looks to be, a very exciting 2016.
Cymande U.S. Summer Tour Dates
June 4th Fonda Theatre Los Angeles, CA
June 5th - Regency Ballroom San Francisco, CA
June 11th SummerStage Central Park New York, NY
June 12th Bonnaroo Festival Manchester, TN
June 14th Brooklyn Bowl Brooklyn, NY
June 15th D.C. Jazz Festival Washington D.C.
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