Live

Frootful: Floridita, London 17/10/12

Things are definitely hotting up at this prime location venue, over the last year they've seen Omar, Smoove & Turrell, Craig Charles, Funkshone, Push and countless others grace the stage. Up there with them all is Frootful, who are currently on the fab new Craig Charles compilation (both on Freestyle Records). They may be under the radar to you and I but on tonight's merits they've posted their winner's script and are about to flourish.

Led by guitarist Nick Radford this outfit from Devon wasted no time getting into what they do best, tasteful soul-jazz, funky-R&B and a whole heap more, as exemplified by their critically acclaimed debut platter "Colours." The first tune I recognised from it was "Latin Strut," a beautiful latino instrumental bearing the best of comparisons to Herbie Mann - light as a feather and great party fare. It was good to see the dance area being used too, especially on the ska influenced "Young & Frootful," a humdinger joy bringer of floaty happiness. Yes the band were in full stride/comfortably warmed up and "Slowtime" showed us what a consummate and soulful guitarist Radford is.

Frootful are an eclectic mix and the quality of the material retains it's own idiosyncratic dimensions - definitely not one-trick-ponies like many retro funk bands who pursue their tricks tirelessly, familiar territory for a lot of years now!

Light relief came in the shape of Angeline Morrison, a tall willowy and alluring singer who definitely should be a household name. This graceful chanteuse added her magic onto the sublime "Fish In The Sea." A punchy, rollicking 60's throwback with bristling fat horns and a bittersweet reprise from the lady herself. Shock wasn't the word! Classy entertaining and rammed with 'good tunes' - go see them when they hit your town! Too good to be left in the sonic shadowlands, let's hope Frootful see the light of day soon… their time is looming, you heard it here first!
Words Emrys Baird