King Bee is a six piece jazz funk/fusion band, writing and performing all its own music, and formed in 2011 by Dave Wilde (previously sax, flute and songwriter for North East UK band Smoove and Turrell) and vibraphonist Chris Jelly. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne the band was originally influenced by the likes of Roy Ayres, Donald Byrd and Herbie Hancock. Over the years King Bee has established itself with a distinctive acid jazz style - groove heavy, psychedelic on occasion, but always with a phat-funk laden sound.
The debut album “King Bee,” was recorded in 2014 at Loft Music Studios Newcastle and mastered by Dave Cooley of Elysian Masters in Los Angeles. Dave was responsible for re-mastering the likes of J-Dilla, Quantic and David Axelrod. Debuted live at Newcastle’s renowned Hoochie Coochie, the album was acclaimed highly, scoring a 9/10 from the legendary magazine Blues and Soul.
Tracks from the album such as ‘Return of the Dave’ ‘Hot Wax’ and ‘Jellyman Funk’ were supported nationally by Mike Chadwick at Jazz FM, London’s Solar Radio, Craig Charles at BBC Radio 6 Music, Robert Elms for BBC London and at BBC Introducing amongst many others worldwide.
The ‘King Bee Live!’ shows have played a major part in the bands increasing popularity over the years performing to large audiences at venues such as Sage Gateshead International Jazz Festival, sell outs at Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival Birmingham Manchester’s Band on the Wall and Hoochie Coochie Newcastle, with a live set for BBC Tees Introducing amongst many more.