Supergroup Producers may look like four ordinary men, no trendy haircuts or sunglasses indoors, but the combined knowledge about music production and recording they hold is immense. Luckily for Leeds College of Music students they dropped in for a question-and-answer session ahead of their gig at the Wardrobe to regale them with stories about working with Paul McCartney and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of analogue verses digital recording.
The band was set up to have fun and that is clearly evident when they take to the stage. Although they obviously love having an audience, you get the feeling that if it was an empty room they would still play as scrupulously as this is a band that has nothing to prove. They have already cemented their place as industry greats with over 200 hit songs between them, countless awards and accolades with Trevor Horn even receiving an CBE for services to the music industry last year.
The gig is impossible to fault, as producers the sound they create is so slick that you could shut your eyes and you would think you are listening to the record. The four of them, supported by three female singers, move seamlessly through some of the songs from their back catalogue of productions and throw in a few new ones written for the album that’s released in May.
The band was set up to have fun and that is clearly evident when they take to the stage. Although they obviously love having an audience, you get the feeling that if it was an empty room they would still play as scrupulously as this is a band that has nothing to prove. They have already cemented their place as industry greats with over 200 hit songs between them, countless awards and accolades with Trevor Horn even receiving an CBE for services to the music industry last year.
The gig is impossible to fault, as producers the sound they create is so slick that you could shut your eyes and you would think you are listening to the record. The four of them, supported by three female singers, move seamlessly through some of the songs from their back catalogue of productions and throw in a few new ones written for the album that’s released in May.
The range of styles showcased highlights how truly amazing musicians they are, with the young and energetic Ash Soan being the perfect drummer to bridge all these different styles impeccably. From the ethereal tones of I’m Not In Love to the reggae feel of The Dean and I both courtesy of Lol Crème and 10cc, there is some diva dance with Grace Jones’s hit Slave To The Rhythm and they even chuck in some Euro pop with All The Things She Said originally sung by tATu.
The new material is a heady blend of country, soft rock and funk. Full of melody and harmonies the songs have the feel of a lazy sunny day that is full of contentment and positivity.
Throughout the set you can see the friendship that has developed after working with each other through the years. They may not be the most virulent of bands, there are a few memory lapses, the gig was over by 9pm and Trevor Horn did have to tape his glasses to his face to stop them falling off but there is no denying the talent ingrained in them and it’s inspiring to watch them play live.
Published in Yorkshire Evening Post
Published in Yorkshire Evening Post
