The Blow Monkeys

A Shades of Soul Ltd Production

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Last Show: Saturday 19 th February 2022

PizzaExpress Live (Birmingham)

The Blow Monkeys are unique with a roller-coaster career spanning over 35 years. Always making new music, always stretching musical boundaries. With worldwide hits such as the classics “Digging Your Scene” and “It Doesn’t Have To Be This Way”, they became household names but there was always so much more going on with these simian soulsters. The Blow Monkeys have released their 10th studio album 'The Wild River' on Monk’s Road Records. 'The Wild River' was recorded in Spain and produced by mainman Robert Howard. The 10 new tracks deliver a funky soulful extravaganza with added sugar from the sweet soul strings of Ben Trigg and the inimitable iconic saxophone of Neville Henry. Also joining the band for the first time on record is ex Galliano sticksman Crispin “The Pump” Taylor. Add Dr Robert’s spiky guitar and distinctive vocals and Mick Anker’s snaking bass lines and there you have it. A simian soul stew with biting but poetic lyrics designed to make your feet move and your mind wonder.

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Their relentless desire to move forward, to collaborate, to be socially engaged and to have something to contribute. Back in the 80’s they worked with people as varied as Curtis Mayfield, Paul Weller, Cheb Khaled and even Jamaican Toaster EEK-a-Mouse!. “No band since The Clash in their early 80’s heyday had attempted to act as a sounding board for such politically engaged, eclectic music”
Dr Robert even took time out to release one of the UK’s first homegrown ‘house’ records “Wait”, his top 5 duet with Chicago soul diva Kym Maselle.

And so the journey continues. Reformed in 2008 The Blow Monkeys are about to release possibly their finest work yet “The Wild River” ( Oct 17) their fifth album since reforming
Now joined by ex Galliano stickman Crispin Taylor on drums they are reinvigorated and recharged. In concert they are indeed sight to see. Soulful, funky and smart.

These Monkeys continue to evolve. From their beginnings on the underground club scene right through to their appearance on the biggest selling soundtrack of all time “Dirty Dancing” and beyond. Long may they swing.