News / Lyall’s funk fest
SHETLAND is set to groove to the sound of funk later this month when Glasgow’s Federation of the Disco Pimp visit the isles.
The seven-piece collective, who combine “elements of old-school funk, disco, psychedelic and jazz”, will headline the Lerwick Legion on Friday 25 April.
The event is being organised by local DJ Lyall Halcrow, who is dubbing the gig a “festival of funk”.
The Scottish group – who formed in 2010 – have been championed by the likes of BBC Radio 6 Music’s Craig Charles, while the Daily Mirror hailed them as “the best backing band James Brown never had”.
The energetic ensemble, whose sound is boosted by playful saxophone work, count the likes of Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock as inspirations and they are set to record their second album ‘Inamorata’ in New York later this year.
Federation of the Disco Pimp will be supported in Lerwick by reunited Shetland whizzkids Troppo Funk and decks-meet-drums combo Lyall Vs Murray.
Funk has largely been absent on Shetland’s live music radar and promoter Halcrow said he is hoping to remedy that by bringing top toe-tapping talent from Scotland. He said: “When I first heard Federation of the Disco Pimp, I instantly thought these guys have to play in Shetland.
“There is generally a lack of funk gigs in Shetland, so I thought what better way to showcase Federation of the Disco Pimp and the local funky talent than having a festival of funk.
“It is a showcase of the finest Scottish talent. It’s the first time Troppo Funk have played since Max [Tyler] and Hayden [Hook] left for university last year, so I am excited to see my favourite Shetland band reunite for the festival. The entire line-up are known for really upbeat and energetic sets, so I’m looking forward to dusting off my dancing shoes for a cracking night of full-frontal funk.”
* There are still some tickets left for the funk bonanza, and they can be bought through the Shetland Box Office
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