Introducing…Das Contras
aaamusic | On 08, May 2011
“Das Contras – one of the most talented bands in Scotland.” The Herald
The independent Folk-Funk, Jazz, Rock and Reggae outfit Das Contras release their debut album Das Contras.
A burgeoning live reputation has seen them already perform at festivals across the world (including Rochester International Jazz Festival, Eden Festival, SPRAOI Festival, Glasgow Jazz & Blues Festival, Edinburgh Festival, Wickerman Festival, Big Tent Festival, Meadows Festival, Wee Tree Festival and Wizard Festival) and play across Europe and the US supporting tours by Ozomatli, Acoustic Ladyland, Terry Callier, Marlena Shaw, Candi Staton, Trombone Shorty and Rusted Root.
Led by charismatic frontman Sheriff, a singer-songwriter from Fife in Scotland; the band have grown into one of the hottest live acts on the festival circuit. On trumpet and keys, and also from Fife is Dave Webster. A composer schooled in jazz and classical, he studied trumpet and composition at Guildhall. On sax is Tony Courtney, a Leeds jazz graduate from Fife whose musical heroes include Cannonball Adderley and Lisa Simpson! Bass is taken care of by fellow Fifer Sam Firth, who played in Fife Youth Jazz Orchestra with Dave and Tony, before going on to tour heavily on the British Blues circuit.
“High octane mix of Latin, funk and soul.” The Scotsman
“Das Contras are beyond rational description. Irresistibly danceable, funky, with cracking tunes and unimpeachable musicianship.” Is This Music?
On drums is Colin Walker. Hailing from Paisley, he has a background in Pipe Band drumming and Folk and tours the US regularly with Albannach. Another Paisley native is Andy Chisholm on lead guitar, a prodigious session guitarist whose most recent tour was throughout Europe with Thriller Live. On congas is respected percussionist Gerardo Ballesteros, from Buenos Aires, Argentina (via Paisley!), whose Latin rhythms add to their distinctive sound. Latest recruit Ross Lothian completes the formidable horn section on trombone. Ross is also an expert accordionist with top ceilidh band Kilter.
Das Contras eponymous debut album is available to download on itunes and all digital distributors from 6th June.
The band play the following live dates:
Jun 4th : Meadows Festival Edinburgh Edinburgh
Jun 10-12th : Eden Festival, Moffat
July 2nd-3rd : Kelburn Garden Party, Kelburn Country Park, Ayrshire
