‘Din and Tonic’ , her hit debut Album of original Jazz
compositions and inspired improvisations, was shortlisted by Guardian
Jazz Critic John Fordham as a contender for Jazz album of the year”
Spring 2008 brings the release of her eagerly awaited second album
‘Alien Left Hand’ featuring Julian Siegel, Tom Arthurs, Lea DeLaria, Dudley Phillips and New York Drummer Josh Guinta.
On it she showcases her formidable talents as a composer /pianist/arranger/bandleader.
Rare Groove ... acid jazz ... hippy house... Talking Loud ... the
Balearic beat - all influential sounds, scenes and styles that went off
with a BANGS ! No doubt about it, Chris Bangs has been a pioneering and
inspirational figure in the British underground dance scene of the 80s
and 90s and helped to light up the burgeoning black music dance scene
of the early eighties. Bangs' name became associated with many
celebrated events - from The Special Branch, Cock Happy and Doos At The
Zoo to his own Bournemouth Bank Holiday sessions, the Caister,
Prestatyn and Rockley Sands Weekenders and even the original Corfu and
Ibiza 'summers of love'.
Towards the end of the 80s, Chris really hit pay dirt as a musical
trend -setter with the invention of acid jazz as a producer and artist
responsible for many early recordings on Eddie Piller's Acid Jazz label
and Gilles Peterson's Talkin' Loud (producing Galliano's celebrated
debut album) His success internationally enabled Chris to set up his
own studio and production company, Thin Air. His talents were soon
spotted outside of the acid jazz scene with Paul Weller utilising
Chris's production skills. This liaison led to a partnership with
Weller's former Style Council-er Mick Talbot as SoundscapeUK - one of a
whole range of projects marked by the Bangs stamp that have secured
commercial and critical acclaim from the USA, Japan, Europe and
Australia.
Today, Chris can be found in his studio surrounded by his records and a
host of musical collaborators so don't be surprised if he's too busy to
talk. Instead, try asking the aforementioned Piller, Weller, or
Peterson as well as the likes of Paul Oakenfold, Pete Tong, Nicky
Holloway, Danny Rampling and many more for a genuine endorsement of one
of our true pioneers.
Copyright Mark Webster