Cymande
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Cymande was accidentally discovered by English producer John Schroeder in a Soho, London club where they were rehearsing. He was there to see a rock band but the gig had been cancelled, and he stumbled upon this unique collection of West Indian musicians. He soon signed the band and recorded their initial single "The Message." The single was released by Janus Records, a division of Chess Records. The track reached number 20 on the US R&B and Pop charts. This set the stage for Cymande's self titled release in 1972.
Cymande traveled to New York after the success of the first LP, and began a tour of the US with Al Green. They also shared a few bills with the latin funk ensemble Mandrill. They played a few important venues, including The Apollo, and played a gig on Soul Train.
The band released three LPs for Janus. However, their final album, "Promised Heights" which shows Cymande developing their distinctive chilled funk/jazz sound was not released in the USA where Cymande had achieved their initial success. Promised Heights included one of their most cherished tracks, "Brothers on the Slide," along with "The Recluse," the downtempo jazz/funk of "Changes," and the slow funk churner "Promised Heights." The tracks "Brothers on the Slide," and "Bra," also were staples of the new Rare Groove/Deep House scene which developed in London and New York night clubs during the eighties.
Members of the band reunited for a performance in Brighton (UK) on May 19, 2006 during the UK Funk All-Stars night at the Corn Exchange. It formed part of the Brighton Festival 2006.
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Members
- Ray King - Vocals/Percussion
- Steve Scipio - Bass
- Derek Gibbs - Soprano/Alto
- Pablo Gonsales - Congas
- Joey Dee - Vocals/Percussion
- Peter Serreo - Tenor
- Sam Kelly - Drums
- Mike Rose - Alto/Flute/Bongos
- Patrick Patterson - Guitar
Music
Discography
- 1973 - Cymande
- 1973 - Second Time Around
- 1974 - Promised Heights
- 2000 - The Soul Of Rasta
- 2004 - Renegades of Funk "Best Of Anthology"
Miscellaneous
- “Bra” is featured on the soundtrack to Spike Lee's 1993 film Crooklyn. “Bra”, “Dove”, & “The Message” can be heard in his 2002 film 25th Hour.
- Bra is sampled by De La Soul in the song "Change in Speak," from 3 feet High and Rising.
- The Fugees sampled Cymande's "Dove" for the title track of their 1996 second album The Score.