Funk 8-piece Crowd Company release sophomore album ‘Stone & Sky’
Critically acclaimed British 8-piece Crowd Company are ready to unveil their sophomore album “Stone & Sky” on October 20th on newly minted indie imprint Vintage League Music (VLM), founded by Soulive’s Alan Evans. The eleven-track album is also produced by Evans at the infamous Iron Wax Studio in Millers Falls, MA and will be available on vinyl, CD, and digitally. Three 7-inch vinyl singles will also be released featuring songs from the upcoming album and distributed by Fat Beats.
Crowd Company love vintage soul and funk, but they bring a modern take to it. A commitment to each other, the music and their audience, is what makes the band stand out from the pack. They are all in, all the time, never wavering in their love of what they do. Crowd Company‘s sound blends hammond organ, horns and tight grooves with the voices of three singers – Rob Fleming, Esther Dee and Jo Marshall. The different voices all lend a singular vibe to each track, often blending into multi part harmonies.
“Stone & Sky” is their second album, following up from their debut “Now Or Never“ released in 2014. This album connects to that first release, but significantly evolves the sound and approach of the band. It features heavy grooves coupled with sophisticated songwriting and tons of uplifting catchy hooks, with virtuoso musicianship in every department. It has a rich, distinct vibe, aided by an outstanding analog production sensibility.
Lead single “Saw You Yesterday” has a real 60s soul funk vibe, with catchy hooks and a finger snapping chorus, with producer Evans adding percussions and backing vocals. “Take Off the Crown” starts like the beginning of a 70s Blaxploitation film, complimented by amazing vocals and an infectious chorus. “Can’t Get Enough” is a powerful, cinematic soul ballad that feels big and emotional, and “Soar” features 3 part vocal harmonies with a nod to New Orleans bluesman Allen Toussaint.
Renowned for bringing a raw energy and dynamic vitality to their live shows, Crowd Company has drawn accolades from their musical peers and have shared the stage with the likes of George Porter Jr. from The Meters, Daptone’s Saun & Starr, Alan Evans Trio, The New Mastersounds, and popular US funk outfit the Monophonics. Having performed live in some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including The 100 Club, Jazz Cafè, Brooklyn Bowl, 229 The Venue and Band On The Wall, the band is excited to embark on their first US tour next year, including a performance at New Orleans Jazz Fest.
“Stone & Sky” out Oct 20th on CD/LP/Digi via Vintage League Music
