WTF (UK)
WTF is...
a six-piece jazz-funk band that brings together instrumentalists from a variety of musical backgrounds, united by the urge to play fresh jazz with an edge. The result is a potent cocktail, heavy on the essence of jazz - improvisation, hard and true - and with a generous splash of funk. Depending on the mood and according to taste, other exotic ingredients, such as drum 'n' bass, reggae, and ambient and house grooves, are thrown into the mix.
The band has been in existence since 2001, and the current line-up has been in place since November 2002. After warming up by performing at events and functions, WTF broke out onto the London gig scene. They have developed a loyal and discerning following and continue to grow from strength to strength. In June 2005, the band recorded a six-track E.P., demonstrating the breadth of their musical spectrum and their emergent flair for arrangement.
WTF are
Edward Dibble (flute), Joel Reeves (alto sax), Kevin Webster (keys), Andy Thorpe (guitar and trombone), Olli Kamarainen (bass), Tomas Wegelius (drums and percussion).
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Yes, we play live and love it. This is what music is all about for us. We play around London and are also now looking to play the odd festival abroad. Special moments have been the first time we played our drum 'n' bass version of A Night In Tunisia in a small venue in Shoreditch, our first gig at the Halfmoon, Putney and the concert at the Cobden Club, London, where we played a set including two new songs that went down very well with the packed house.
Your musical influences
We all come from different musical backgrounds, and bring different influences and styles to the party. These include Herbie Hancock & the Headhunters, Weather Report, Roy Ayers, Roy Haynes, Marcus Miller, Billy Cobham, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, St. Germain, Pharoah Sanders, Eric Dolphy, New Mastersounds, James Taylor Quartet, Donald Byrd, Jethro Tull
Anything else?
Drop us a line if you'd like to purchase our new CD, Jazz Funkamentals. This is available for 5 plus p&p, and we'll send it off anywhere in the world. It contains over half an hour of original compositions and even more original reworkings of jazz and jazz-funk classics.
