Active from 2011 Albums King Bee | Record label BeesWax Records | |
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Similar King Bees, Smoove & Turrell, Lonnie Liston Smith, Craig Charles Profiles | ||
King Bee is a jazz-funk band, formed in Newcastle upon Tyne UK in 2011. Its members consist of Dave Wilde (Saxophones, flute, vocals), Chris Jelly (Vibraphone), Dan Brady (Bass), Mark Hand (Fender Rhodes, Moog, synthesizers), Jonathan Marriott (Drums), Richard Burns (Trumpet), Steve Glendinning (Guitar).
Contents
The band was formed by Dave Wilde (former member and writer with Smoove & Turrell) and Chris Jelly, with Dan Brady and Mark Hand joining shortly after. The band has toured in the UK including Edinburgh's Jazz Bar, Manchester's Matt & Phreds and Newcastle's Hoochie Coochie.
Tracks from debut album 'King Bee' have received airplay from BBC 6Music's Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show, Jazz FM, Robert Elms' show on BBC Radio London and Solar Radio.
Emrys Baird reviewed 'King Bee' (the album) on the Blues and Soul website, stating: "This much heralded debut album should remain a true testament to their musical prowess. This engrossing Geordie outfit play with passion encompassing Jazz, Funk and smoking grooves which are stamped all over this certified classic."
A 7" vinyl release of 'Money Gone' topped Juno's funk vinyl charts in late 2015. It featured a remix by Smoove on the B-side, which Craig Charles included in his ‘Best of 2015’ show, calling it “a revelation”.
Discography
"King Bee" (2014) – album, Beeswax Records (CD, iTunes and Amazon)
"Money Gone" (2015) - single, Beeswax Records (vinyl, kingbeefunk.com)
Songs
Return of the DaveKing Bee · 2014
Jellyman FunkKing Bee · 2014
ThistleKing Bee · 2014