George HaffendenThis week sees the release of The PB Underground’s eagerly anticipated album debut. The group is the brainchild of Pete Ray Biggen, a former drummer with the likes of Brit-Funk pioneers Incognito, Chaka Khan and Level 42, who has assembled a group of talented musicians to create some exquisite new soul music. The band will be debuting their album at a special show at London’s Jazz Café this coming Friday, for what promises to be one of the most exciting gigs of the year so far.
The first song off their new album is entitled ‘Stand Up’, a prime piece of neo-Brit-Funk goodness. Very much based on the Incognito formula, this single finds The PB Underground laying down a seriously tasty groove driven by Biggen’s drumming, Joe Sam’s bass, and Max O’Donnel’s guitar licks. Delightfully the group has a real horn section, something soul fans truly appreciated; on ‘Stand Up’ the horn arrangement is brilliant, giving the song a really sophisticated soulful sound. The single also features Carl Hudson on Rhodes; Hudson has frequently collaborated with TF&SR favourite Soulpersona, and it’s great to see him in action here with The PB Underground. D-Tale handles the vocals nicely on this single, riding the groove laid down by Biggen’s ensemble.
‘Stand Up’ is likely to be one of the best UK soul releases this year, and if the album is anything like this single then we are all in for a right treat. The single is available to listen to below on YouTube; The PB Underground will be performing in London this Friday night – for ticket information and more information on the band click here.