Federation of the Disco Pimp

FEDERATION of the Disco Pimp solidified their place as Scotland’s premier funk band after a triumphant performance at the Glasgow Jazz Festival last Saturday. The seven-piece played to a near-packed pop-up venue at Merchant Square on the same week they announced the imminent release of their first live album, No Place Like Home.

The Glasgow group, comprising keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, two saxophones and a trumpet, have been causing a stir with their exhilarating live shows. As their sound has become increasingly more groove-based by each album, the band are starting to receive exposure to an entirely new audience.

“It was really hot and sweaty, which is perfect for our kind of music,” says keyboardist and chief songwriter Marco Cafolla.

“It couldn’t have gone better – everyone dancing, the band incredibly tight, and we were able to reach a completely new audience, judging by the faces I saw in the crowd.”

The opportunity to reach out to a new crowd has proved vital for the elaborately named collection of top-notch musicians. This is clear by their decision to film and release on video a performance at this year’s Celtic Connections. Being a part of a funk band in Scotland may seem like a fun proposition, but Cafolla explains that breaking down the barriers is a rigorous task.

He says: “A lot of people still stereotype funk as 1970s disco music and envision the afros and the big-collared shirts.

“It’s a style that we don’t really adhere to because it’s so dated. If you listen to any James Brown record, you’ll realise how timeless the style actually is.

“When I see songs like Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk doing well in the mainstream now, I don’t even feel like I should be that dismissive about it anymore.

“It’s the same with Nile Rodgers performing with Daft Punk – if it leads people to discovering Funkadelic, Quincy Jones or whoever, then brilliant.”

Federation of the Disco Pimp certainly pay homage to their heroes. Their sets feature covers of James Brown and Stevie Wonder, which Cafolla sees as a valuable exercise in terms of getting a new crowd on side. The band’s own music is quite distinct though, with a driving rhythm section and an experimental “jam band” feel that recalls Frank Zappa-esque fusion groups like Snarky Puppy.

“We’re quite intense for funk, definitely,” says Cafolla. “Zappa and Herbie Hancock are a big influence. When we see folk in the crowd bobbing their heads and rocking out, it feels amazing. We welcome all head-bangers to our gigs.

“It was great to see that at the Jazz Festival in particular. There’s perhaps a slight snobbery associated with the jazz scene these days, but if you go to a New York jazz club, you’ll actually experience something closer to what we do. There’s no beard-stroking pretentiousness – they’re smiling as they play.”

There’s an authenticity to the Federation sound that demonstrates the band’s commitment to the roots of the genre and they recorded their latest studio album, Inamorata, in New York. Cafolla says the trip was the “best thing he’s ever been apart of”. However, their new live album is a different beast still.

“The production on Inamorata was sonically incredible, but we still see ourselves as a primarily live band,” says Cafolla. “No Place Like Home captures a completely different energy and shows that we could emulate what we did on the album in one take.”

Their decision to record their live opus in Scotland demonstrates a sense of pride that Cafolla admits is an undercurrent in everything they do as a band.

“I’d not call us a ‘Scottish funk band’ – we’re not going to be throwing any bagpipes on our records – but we’re also quick to big-up our Scottishness. The main theme of our music is solidarity and self-belief, which is what the classic funk records were all about. I’m not saying anything new necessarily, but it’s our most prominent lyrical theme.”

That said, Cafolla is quick to dismiss notions of a funk “scene” in Scotland, as evidenced by recent sold-out shows in Shetland and Bute. “The scene here is in its infancy at best,” Cafolla told The National. “There are a few bands like us that play funk music, but it’s mostly just bands dipping their toes into it. It’s hard to just throw us on a funk bill because we’d be playing with the same few bands every time, so we have to keep it varied.

“This band is my life though. I believe in every note. Every penny I saved went towards our first album, and it’s only over the past six months we’ve started to see a return. I really hope people read this and are encouraged to collaborate or get involved, not just for the sake of it, but because they love the music as much as we do. I know the talent is definitely out there.”

FOTDP’s No Place Like Home is out on July 27. The album is ‘name your price’ and you can download audio, video or both.For more information go
facebook.com/federationofthediscopimp - The National

Federation Of The Disco Pimp - Inamorata (Dusty Reel Records, 2015) (album review)

A few weeks ago we were being told about a new album by Federation Of The Disco Pimp (FOTDP), a seven piece Glasgow based modern funk band, that combines elements of old-school funk, disco, psychedelic and jazz. Well, the one thing we at least heard after our first spin of the album was that WE WANT MORE!
We remember their track on the The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Show back in 2012. Album-wise it has been pretty quiet since then, until last January when Inamorata was born! And it feels like we hit the jackpot because this one happens to have just exactly that funky style which we love so much: upbeat, heavy bass, mostly instrumental, bad ass horns and tight drums! Let's get down to it!
The first track (don't forget about the intro called Meltdown) shows exactly what we mean. It reminds us on bands like Lettuce, and hey after a little research it just so happens to be that FOTDP has been working with Joel Hamilton. Thats the right, the audio-engineer of, for example, Lettuce and Solve. Bands we obviously love!
On 'No Place Like Home' the band leans back a little giving more space to the groove. And just after a few minutes when you think the track is done there is the first surprise on the record, by the name of guest vocalist Aaron Livingston. Wow, this guy has a great and soulful voice. He returns on the album, still doing a great job, three times, 'I Love Tomorrow', 'Walk Away' (maybe one of the best tracks!) and 'Living for the City' (a nice cover of Stevie Wonders'). The band does the same trick on 'Whatdaya want?'. After four minutes of heavy funk, another guest vocalist steps into the light: Sasha Dobson. She really gives the track an instant smooth jazz feeling!
Meanwhile, 'The Beyond' has grown out to be one of our favorite tracks! Not because of the tight and somewhat hyper horns in the beginning but that part after a good one and a half minute in it. That.is just.groovy #%$@! Especially Dade Thomas (drums) with these nice ride bell cymbal patterns switching back and forth, it gives a real swing to the track!
'Rock Steady' has got this psychedelic rock feel, even more when Marco Cafolla (keyboards) goes lunatic on the piano.
And so we could talk on for hours about this album. Just two tracks we couldn't leave aside. First is 'On the Ground' featuring the one and only Eric Krasno (Soulive/Lettuce) on guitar. This track could just as well have been a Lettuce recording! And the second one is 'Iron Butterfly', a high tempo funk groove with Dave Guy on trumpet. Excellent job!
We made ourselves clear right? We are In-Amor-Ato on this record!
So if you haven't put this album on already be sure to go and check it out below now if you consider yourself to be a good funkateer! And don't forget to support the guys and buy the album via http://fotdp.bandcamp.com/album/inamorata
Namasté!

Track listing:
1. Meltdown
2. Crank
3. Click Your Heels
4. No Place Like Home
5. The Beyond
6. Rock Steady
7. I Love Tomorrow
8. Inamorata
9. Iron Butterfly
10. On the Ground
11. Walk Away (Parts 1 & 2)
12. Namaste
13. Whatdaya Want?
14. Living for the City - Funky Sheep

THE LERWICK Legion dance floor was thronging on Friday night as revellers got their funk on to the mighty sound of the Federation of the Disco Pimp.

The seven piece group came to Shetland boasting an impressive pedigree, billed as “the best backing band James Brown never had”, and the sell-out audience was certainly not disappointed by their highly energetic live set.

Building in elements of funk, disco and jazz, the Glasgow collective soon had the floor packed to the gunnels as the crowd located their dancing shoes and demonstrated what must have been some of the funkiest moves ever seen in the islands.

Earlier in the night local group Troppo Funk had warmed the crowd up nicely for what was to follow, receiving a rapturous response on what was their first show together since last summer.

Local DJ Lyall Halcrow, who was promoting the show, also performed a DJ set along with drummer Murray Arthur.

He told Shetland News it had been a night of funk “the likes I had never seen in Shetland before, and the audience lapped up every groove and every spellbinding solo”.

“I think that Friday night showed that Shetland has a true thirst for funk. Federation of the Disco Pimp are one of the tightest, slickest bands on the scene and their quality shone through to a pinned dance floor for their entire set.”

Halcrow added: “It was also fantastic to see Troppo Funk return to the Legion stage after a year without playing together and it was genuinely heart-warming to hear the crowd ‘singing along’ to their now classic cover of ‘Aladdin’ by Soulive.

“On the back of this gig I hope to bring more funk to the dance floors of Shetland. The Federation of the Disco Pimp boys had a great time up here and I’m sure we’ll be seeing them again. Watch this space!” - Shetnews.co.uk

In 2011 FOTDP released an album in Japan and that is in recent memory. This album again has a strong lineup.

Because they are from Scotland, they often get introduced as the 21st Century ‘Average White Band’ but that doesn’t gel with me. AWBs ‘Pick up the Pieces’ is a great tune and as a teenage listener (when it was released), I was shocked to discover they were a white Scottish band as it held it’s on with the black Funk music I listened so much too. In my opinion though AWB mellowed after that with the emphasis on more vocal tracks. I don’t want to compare FOTDP to them because of this.

Recently AWB have risen again but my opinion they have mellowed and escaped Funk due to the vocal-led tunes, but I don’t want to go into any more details about this as everyone has their own likes / dislikes and this is just my opinion. We don’t know where FOTDP are going and it’s an easy / cheap comparison to do so with AWB. They are still young, they lack history but because of this, they have more future. This is their debut album.

As ‘More than Dancing’ says, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the majority of the tracks are dance music. On the other hand the nature of the music spreads much wider by deliberately including other genres including Jazz, Rock, Psychedelic. For example it’s understandable to categorise it as Jazz/Funk, but if you do that it’s seem unfair. The listener should remain impartial.

Their aim is quite clear, the members direction is where dance music is on top / happening. The way they play is thrilling although they are very much in control and make it look easy. When listening I feel they are playing like they are gazing directly at the listener.

There are many different types and styles of Funk bands in general. Some bands stick true to it and other go commercial. Commercial ones are called ‘Box’ bands in Japan and are regular, run of the mill Disco style. The word ‘Disco’ in their name however doesn’t mean they are at all a ‘Box’ band and aiming at that demographic. The name of the band seems to have meaning but there isn’t. It doesn’t explain everything about them. So how can I explain the name? It’s like a ribbon in the hair of a girl you fancy. Their stomach is really big and there is much depth to them, they don’t make light of both artist or image side. There is much depth to the band and music, this is not a joke band.

Formed in 2005, the 7 of them gathered in Glasgow, Scotland playing local clubs and festivals. Amongst these gigs / activities they regularly hosted their own night ‘Soul Train’ (as tribute to the American TV show) and this sounds like fun (and I bet not just to me). To shadow that fun side they had ‘Pinball Number Count’ & ‘Money Runner’ in their sets. Their last CD had a air of the Jazz age from the Showa era (Japanese emperor, they run in terms).

People who could see the colour (style/genre) includes Craig Charles (BBC radio 6) and their profile has risen because of his airplay to the whole of Europe and because of their American tour.

Their double A-side and Volume III released in 2010 made up the Japanese release in 2011. I wonder if there was a Volume I or II before that? If that was more underground, maybe like Picasso and his Blue era?

However you can see no doubt with this release the confidence of the band (how proud they are of the album) and it keeps people up dancing until the morning as it’s so infectious. You can hear the band reaching high voltage after a few seconds of the title track. During the sax solo you can hear the horns invade to build it up which is quite incredible to the point that it gives you goosebumps. Even this small part shows how much the band has put into this album.

Technically there is really no difference from the first album but the bands playing skills together have greatly improved. The horn sections in tracks 1, 2, 5, & 6 have been tightly put together and you can compare to the current Funk scene bands like The Sound Stylistics (UK) & New Cool Collective (Holland).

It doesn’t matter how many times you listen to it, it’s still very sharp – it’s great! As I said previously, I not keen on comparing to past bands but if I had to, I’d say ‘Tower of Power’. It’s not wrong to say they are at the same level ‘T.O.P’ where/are.

Their earlier music / image was more attached to simple groove and the energy was focused on the dynamism of the Funk. Because of that it lacked details however because of the development of the horn section you can hear much more of the melodic-sense in the band.

In my opinion there is a very high possibility of a guest singer in the future but this album has set the bands standard and this won’t be broken/diluted even if they get a guest singer involved.

‘Gimme Some Light’ & ‘Bruce Lee’ have reappeared as new takes and again Joel Hamilton (lists Joels credits) who produced the Double A-side does so for this album. I wonder the route involved getting Joel initially involved with the band, he must of thought there was something about the band given there were no releases to that point, living so far apart and no connection. Someone of Joels stature would take this job, he must have realised the potential of the band.

With having Joels stamp of approval there is no surprise they wanted to go to America. Although I believe it will take longer to see a great response in the USA for them given the amount of Funk bands there and being the home of it. The fact AWB left Scotland for America, I think they should follow that mentality.

Finally I want to see them live because there is definitely more than 1 or 2 tunes that would make a Japanese crowd go wild! I really fancy going to seeing them live! - P-Vine (Japan)

TOYKO JAZZ NOTES
Label: P-Vine


Think of funk and Scotland together and probably the first band that comes to mind is the Average White Band ... and maybe that's it. Well that is until now. Coming straight out of Glasgow we have the seven piece unit Federation Of The Disco Pimp (along with Nick Pride & The Pimptones, possibly another band whose name has been inspired by Japan's very own death jazz masters?) with their own hard hitting brand of music that mixes elements of funk, jazz and disco. Formed in 2005, FODTP have built up a solid following in Scotland and have been lauded by Craig Charles on his BBC6 Music Funk & Soul Show as well as making some festival appearances around the UK. Now the band have the chance to attract a wider audience with their seven-track self-titled debut album which is out exclusively in Japan through the P-Vine label.

The album opens which some funky drumming and the tight jazz-funk grooves of Gimme Some Light which has an infectious horn riff that could be taken as a nod of respect to classic era AWB. Hot on its heels you have the upfront and in your face disco sounds ofBruce Lee, a superb party track that is no doubt a big draw live.

Robot Rock is a more chilled out number with tenor sax leading the main riff that really sticks with you as the tune rocks along nicely. After this breather, the pace picks up again with Above The Law, the name and tempo of which conjure up images of high speed car chases. To leave it there would be doing the band a disservice however, as the track is more than a simple blaxploitation soundtrack pastiche. The track is driven along a great bassline over the top of which are layered the keys, horn section and funk rock guitar.

The shortest track on the album is a cover of a song that will bring back memories for anyone who grew up watching Sesame Street. Pinball Number Count is the funky jazz fusion tune with the lyrics simple being the numbers one to twelve. It's testament to the funkiness of the kids' show tune that the FODTP version is faithful to the original and yet doesn't sound at all out of place on this set.

High And Dry is a mid-tempo workout led by an insistent keyboard riff. Not as hard-hitting as some of the other tracks on offer, it is nevertheless a nicely understated funk number. The closing track is a medley of Quincy Jones' Money Runner and Herbie Hancock'sHang Up Your Hang Ups recorded that show that on stage the band are as tight as the studio tracks on show here.

An enjoyable and assured debut from a band that look to have a bright future ahead of them. Let's just hope that this release will be followed by some live dates in Japan. -

1:12 – Federation of the Disco Pimp covers Get Lucky as we wade on to the Gladstone dancefloor (shame on us for not seeing this one coming). These Glasgow cats have that Louisiana swing in their bones, and they don’t need to lean on borrowed material either. Pound For Pound and You Know What To Do are funky as all hell, easily passable for the American goods. More Than Dancing sets the place ablaze, the diverse crowd getting down and not a frown in the house. A nod to James Brown comes with set-closer Pass The Peas, and we say pass the pillow. Saturday’s right around the corner and the apparent sweat hut that is BLK BOX just doesn’t seem worth the discomfort.. - Society Vernacular

With a name like Federation of the Disco Pimp how can they be anything other than amazing? Legendary for their energetic live shows, FOTDP have amassed a bit of a cult following, not least in their home town of Glasgow. Their first, full-length, studio album, More Than Dancing effortlessly handles the tricky transfer of this energy on to tape.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Joel Hamilton, More Than Dancing opens with the title track and sets the bar high with a relentless funk workout leaving anyone in no doubt where this album is going. With a client list including Nina Simone, Tom Waits and The Black Keys, it's clear Joel Hamilton's influence has given this record the authentic sound and feel the band were looking for. The musician-ship is first rate with each member expertly demonstrating how their instrument should be played and it pays off, as the tracks ooze the kind of vintage groove James Brown would be proud of.

Stand out track ‘Gimme Some Light’ certainly sees FOTDP give an acknowledging wink of the eye to fellow Scots, the Average White Band. However, intent on establishing their own identity, upbeat number ‘Bruce Lee’ quickly becomes consumed by an enjoyable, disco driven haze of funkiness whilst their cover of Daft Punks ‘Robot Rock’, mellow and psychedelic in its approach, features an incredibly infectious saxophone riff throughout.

This is a late-night party album that's perfectly calibrated for getting people worked up into a sweat, and FOTDP's propensity to let rhythms and riffs soak for a bit before taking off into solo turf keeps the record moving along at an enjoyable pace.

More Than Dancing is a solid debut from unquestionably the tightest and funkiest band in Scotland right now. - Musician Union

The friendly chaps from Federation of the Disco Pimp had seized upon an agreeable Toronto trait, early into their first visit from Glasgow. With partial financial backing from a government arts council back home (nice!) making the trip possible, the seven-piece funk combo was in the midst of a lively (and impromptu) session on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency – also known as home base and check-in central for NXNE. “We figured we’d set up and play until they told us to stop” – saxophonist Dave Towers noted of the enterprising 4pm foray. We were just surprised to hear that the infectious horn-driven grooves permeating the hotel air did not originate from New Orleans (or at least somewhere in the States). Needless to say, the Federation’s two gigs (Friday @ The Gladstone and Saturday @ Sidedoor) are high on our list. Gorgeous Canadian girls, take note. - Society Vernacular

Title track 'More Than Dancing' instantly conjures up a scene of a JBs/Herbie Hancock/Bootsy Collins 'all night jam' on a runaway freight train, smashing into a brick wall. The sound of this record is granite solid, with a thick vinyl armour that breaths effortlessly thanks to the generous portions of analogue outboard and intelligent compression sculpting, courtesy of Hamilton's endless arsenal of special moves. 'Pound for pound' drops like a 100 tonne dirty bomb on the ears with thick batteries of titanic drum beats and lava horns lines; at this point it's clear that the band have finally found themselves after 7 years of dedication to sonic experimentation and most importantly, keeping funk alive. 'You know what to do' catapults the listener forward 10 g's into a James Brown groove engine. Relentless and remorseless, it's impossible not be pinned down into 'neck dippin' city' from start to finish thanks to the growling pistons of bass, kit and thick, running tambourine.
'More Than Dancing' is a non-stop chase through interstate and City alike and as a result it's very hard to pick out the diamonds in this treasure trove of pure-funk, but my personal favourites (asides from the afore mentioned tracks) would have to be 'Brooklyn' and 'Manhattan'. There is an energy and vibration on these sessions that seems to pour out with a different kind of flow. Perhaps it's explainable by the fact that these tracks were 'spur of the moment', 'jam tracks', recorded live at Studio G in a simple, organic and dusty fashion; and the gorgeously raw, chocolate/caramel beat broth that is served up as a result illustrates this beautifully.
It's clear that this band's marriage with Hamilton is strong and true, and it has most definitely raised their game into the worldwide rankings; a place well deserved by this battalion of modern dance-funk. Oh, and did I mention that their live shows are spectacular as well? - Blues&Soul

The friendly chaps from Federation of the Disco Pimp had seized upon an agreeable Toronto trait, early into their first visit from Glasgow. With partial financial backing from a government arts council back home (nice!) making the trip possible, the seven-piece funk combo was in the midst of a lively (and impromptu) session on the second floor of the Hyatt Regency – also known as home base and check-in central for NXNE. “We figured we’d set up and play until they told us to stop” – saxophonist Dave Towers noted of the enterprising 4pm foray. We were just surprised to hear that the infectious horn-driven grooves permeating the hotel air did not originate from New Orleans (or at least somewhere in the States). Needless to say, the Federation’s two gigs (Friday @ The Gladstone and Saturday @ Sidedoor) are high on our list. Gorgeous Canadian girls, take note. - Society Vernacular

NXNE 2013: Federation of the Disco Pimp Show Review

Federation of the Disco Pimp was not on my Radar in terms of shows that I wanted to check out during the course of NXNE, some artists take advantage of the gathering at the Hyatt for NXNEi to put on impromptu jams and had out flyers, this is where Federation of the Disco Pimp peaked my interest. Further to this I met Johnny the alto sax player from the band at the Hoxton Thursday and we proceeded to get beyond cray and I said things like “yeah for sure i’m going to make it to your show at the Gladstone tomorrow” Well I made good on my word and made it to the Gladstone to see Johnny and the rest of the Federation of the Disco Pimp crew.

Let me say this, these guys have undeniable musical chops, and are one hell of a live band. The whole place was dancing, cheering for the sax solos and just getting right into it. I seriously didn’t think they had funk exports like this out of Scotland. I know they are playing again tonight at side door (soho) on Adelaide and I highly highly recommend you see them. - Project Live

"Building classy grooves and funky bass lines around lung busting sax solos and masterful guitar work..." - Is This Music?

"Building classy grooves and funky bass lines around lung busting sax solos and masterful guitar work..." - Is This Music?

"No matter what poise or mindset one adopted, all would agree that it was an irresistible performance from arguably the best band in Glasgow right now." - Bluesbunny Music Reviews

"No matter what poise or mindset one adopted, all would agree that it was an irresistible performance from arguably the best band in Glasgow right now." - Bluesbunny Music Reviews

"Well what can I say – Federation Of The Disco Pimp laid down some of the finest Jazz Funk I’ve ever heard. A really class act; top musicians and entertaining to watch. What festivals are all about." - Festivals For All

"Well what can I say – Federation Of The Disco Pimp laid down some of the finest Jazz Funk I’ve ever heard. A really class act; top musicians and entertaining to watch. What festivals are all about." - Festivals For All

"It’s safe to say that Scotland may finally have found an international musical export that we can be proud of." - Bluesbunny Music Reviews

"It’s safe to say that Scotland may finally have found an international musical export that we can be proud of." - Bluesbunny Music Reviews

"With a name like Federation of the Disco Pimp how can they be anything other than amazing? If you’re not up and dancing to the funkfest that is FOTDP then clearly there’s something wrong with you – this is disco funk at it’s very best, James Brown would be proud of these guys." - Rhythm Circus

"With a name like Federation of the Disco Pimp how can they be anything other than amazing? If you’re not up and dancing to the funkfest that is FOTDP then clearly there’s something wrong with you – this is disco funk at it’s very best, James Brown would be proud of these guys." - Rhythm Circus

"Federation of the Disco Pimp's set at Club Rio generated the sort of energy that could find them a profitable client in the National Grid. This was hyperactive and hyper-enjoyable." - The Herald

"Federation of the Disco Pimp's set at Club Rio generated the sort of energy that could find them a profitable client in the National Grid. This was hyperactive and hyper-enjoyable." - The Herald

"The Federation are one of the funkiest, tightest bands in Glasgow (probably in Scotland) and they were on fire – best we’ve ever heard them (and that’s saying something)! As soon as they started, the dance floor filled and stayed that way for the rest of the night" - London Jazz

"The best backing band James Brown never had....the musical equivalent of Beyonce's booty....sexy, bouncy and with the ability to attract attention wherever they go..." - The Daily Record

"The best backing band James Brown never had....the musical equivalent of Beyonce's booty....sexy, bouncy and with the ability to attract attention wherever they go..." - The Daily Record

Funky. Funky. Funky.

This seven piece Jazz/Funk band are just so swift.

With both tracks just over five minutes long, it rounds up to ten minutes and forty nine seconds of pure funkiness. As complete instrumentals, they have an addictive jazz buzz that you don’t hear anywhere near as much as you should. However, they do remind me of The Chancers, you can taste the similarities. For starters, they make me want to dance. Play them loud, grab a partner and find the nearest space. BOOM.
There are no faults, I just can’t complain. I’m off to dance.

Check them out for yourself on faceboooooook. - New Reviews

Funky. Funky. Funky.

This seven piece Jazz/Funk band are just so swift.

With both tracks just over five minutes long, it rounds up to ten minutes and forty nine seconds of pure funkiness. As complete instrumentals, they have an addictive jazz buzz that you don’t hear anywhere near as much as you should. However, they do remind me of The Chancers, you can taste the similarities. For starters, they make me want to dance. Play them loud, grab a partner and find the nearest space. BOOM.
There are no faults, I just can’t complain. I’m off to dance.

Check them out for yourself on faceboooooook. - New Reviews