Wonderful jazz funk sounds of Brother Strut thrill the Apex audience
Brother Strut on stage at The Apex, last night. Photo: Russell Cook.
Some first timers were introduced to the wonderful sounds of Brother Strut last night (Thursday, October 9) at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds,
The six-piece outfit delighted a near full house, including those who had already witnessed the band on stage, for a 90-minute foot tapping, hand clapping session of wonderful funk jazz numbers.
And they also produced some great cover versions of well known hits including a reggae rendition of Ed Sheeran’s “We Found Love” along with Michael Jackson’s smash hit “Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough”.
It was a welcome return to the Suffolk venue for the critically acclaimed funk and soul band, which is composed of some of the finest and funkiest musicians around, including a couple of members of Jamiroquai.
Brother Strut are inspired by funk, blues and American soul music of the 1960’s and ’70’s and they have honed their talents on some of the world’s most prestigious stages alongside an array of musical icons – from Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Madonna to Sting, George Michael, Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner.
Guitarist Rob Harris was featured along with bassist Paul Turner who continues to perform live with Jamiroquai to this day and was the prominent performer with his unique style in the aptly titled rock track “Tequila”.
The pair combined magnificently with saxophonist and founder member of the band Stevie Jones for a raft of numbers which had sections of the audience dancing along to their authentic funk-flavoured repertoire, irresistible groove and infectious charisma.
The band, which also includes John James Newman on guitar and lead vocals, George Cooper, keyboards and backing vocals, and drummer Dexter Hercules, all shone through with their exceptional musicianship.
There were the familiar favourites “Shake Your Money” and “Metropolis” along with new compositions “One More Hit” and the title track of their latest album “Something’s Cookin”.
They’re a band that most people probably have never heard of but their infectious music is gathering a host of followers.
They waltzed on stage to a kaleidoscope of colour and panache to get the audience rocking in their seats before sending them away on a rocking return home.