Mamas Gun

Mamas Gun

On "DIG!", the sixth studio album by British band Mamas Gun, true alchemy is at work - a rare creative brotherhood of passionate musicians with a flair for music that not only sounds timeless, but also feels that way.

Andy Platts, the songwriter with the golden falsetto. Drummer Chris Boot, the backbone of the band, who delivers driving grooves with the ease of a jazz musician. Bassist Cameron Dawson, fluid and fearless, echoing the spirit of James Jamerson but with an unmistakably melodic sound. Terry Lewis, a guitarist whose flavor, feel and expressiveness conveys an important, warm old-school authenticity. Last but not least, Dave Oliver, a dynamic keyboardist whose profound mastery of piano, Wurlitzer and Hammond organ effortlessly blurs the boundaries between jazz, gospel and soul. What a sound! Authentic, organic and deeply soulful, all recorded by engineer and studio owner Neil Innes direct to 16-track analog tape at All Things Analogue Studios in Leeds, UK. Andy Platts says: "For us, success isn't about selling millions of records, it's about making better records with every step we take and really connecting with people through the music."

"DIG!" is undoubtedly a special album, not least because the band worked with the legendary Brian Jackson, songwriting partner of Gil Scott-Heron and collaborator with artists such as Roy Ayers and Earth, Wind & Fire. Particularly noteworthy is the title track "DIG!", an outstanding jazz-funk song whose collaboration proves to be the absolute highlight of the band's history. "What an honor!" enthuses Chris Boot. "Brian is a true legend and we were over the moon when we found out he was already a fan of our music. To work with people like Brian, who inspired us so much as young musicians back in the day, is really special." The themes of the songs on this album are universal: love, family, hope, redemption and - as in all great soul music - the search for solace in difficult times. Although the arrangements and production of the album are largely split between the band members, Andy Platts is at the center of the songwriting. His collaboration with the other band members and other musicians, such as his long-time songwriting partner Conner Reeves, provides additional musical diversity and interesting lyrics.

Terry Lewis comments: "Strong songs, rich sound, musical cohesion, great arrangements and performances. I've listened to this album more intensely than any of the previous ones, I just don't get bored." Andy Platts adds: "Music doesn't exist in a vacuum. Our aim is to use this music that we love and are so proud of to reach as many people as possible."