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Light of the World
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In a nutshell
Light Of The World is widely acknowledged in the UK as true Innovators of Nu-Soul/Funk & Jazz. Their unique sound is a branded combination of gutsy soulful vocals, tight jazz horn melodies, essential rhythms and fat gritty bass lines.
In 2006 EMI Records released the band's Anthology “Addicted To Funk” which span the bands 26-year recording history. A new collaboration with Alexander O'Neal has culminated in the creation of a new track “Walk Don't Run”.
LOTW's live show is an authentic slice of fast funky floor fillers. The band perform their most popular hits London Town, I Shot the Sheriff, No.1 Girl, I'm So Happy, Feel The Real (which is featured on the new Carl Cox album titled “Second Sign”), plus many of the band's major recordings.
Light of the World continues to perform live throughout the world, as well as record new material for release, spreading their special brand of funk and happiness.
Biography
The history of Light of the World can be traced back as early as 1975 when Paul ‘Tubbs' Williams began joining in practice sessions with a group of friends. As players came and went the sessions became more serious and the eventual 8-piece line-up began arranging gigs in and around the East End of London. Interest in the band grew and they signed to Ensign Records releasing their debut album – ‘Light of the World' – in 1979.
The album was well received but tragedy struck after a particularly successful nationwide tour to promote it. Returning from Scotland one of the vans crashed killing the band's percussionist and this, in turn, was followed by the departure of ‘Bluey', the band's guitarist. The remaining members advertised for replacements, which is where ‘Nat' Augustin and Gee Bello entered the scene in January 1979. This line-up was to release a further four singles (making six in all) and a second album before parting with their record company as well as each other. In June '81 the band undertook a 12-date, farewell tour of the UK, which culminated in an emotional, sell-out at London's Hammersmith Odeon.
By this time ‘Tubbs' was already involved with his own project “Incognito” and three other members (Breeze, Kenny, Baps) had decided to form “Beggar & Co.”, leaving Nat and Gee to continue as Light of the World .
The duo signed a long-term worldwide recording contract with EMI Records (UK) in September (1981), releasing their first single with the company – Ride The Love Train – in November. Work than began on the album, recorded during January at the Sound Suite Studios in Camden Town. Nat and Gee invited Nigel Martinez to produce after hearing his work with Billy Ocean and Norman Connors. They also asked Tubbs to help out (he'd recently disbanded Incognito) and the liaison worked so well that he was asked to join Light of the World permanently just as he was on the point of asking if he could do so.
In 1982 Light of the World released its debut album for EMI Records (UK) called ‘Check Us Out', followed by the release of a second single No. 1 Girl (12”). This led to a major UK tour starting in Southend on Friday 23rd July 1982 and finishing at London's Hammersmith Odeon on Saturday 31st July 1982. Tubbs, Nat and Gee were joined by other members from the Original Light of the World line-up (Mel Gaynor, Peter Hinds and David Baptiste). Kenny and Breeze did not re-join.
In 2006 EMI Records released the band's Anthology “Addicted To Funk” which span the band's 26-year recording history. It contains two CD's, the first featuring The Band's Greatest Hits, the second CD features “Associated Projects & Rarities” including Incognito, Spandau Ballet, Ronnie Laws, The Team, Gee Bello & Beggar & Co. A new collaboration with Alexander O'Neal has culminated in the creation of a new track “Walk Don't Run”.
Light of the World continues to perform live throughout the world, as well as record new material for release, spreading their special brand of funk and happiness.
Band Member Biographies
GEE BELLO – singer/songwriter, percussionist, entertainer
Gee Bello started out in the music business when he was just 16. Gee first came to public attention in 1979 when he joined as percussionist for “ Light of the World ”, renowned as the premier “British Jazz Funk Band” of its day. With his song-writing and musical talents Gee soon became the band's lead singer. In 1985 Gee recorded his first solo album for Capitol Records in Los Angeles with the Gap Band, and is one of the few British artists to have been signed by Capitol Records USA. In between recordings for Light of the World, Gee's vocal and percussion playing talents have been put to good use on the live tours of many top bands and producers including Incognito, Ronnie Laws, Sly Stone, The Gap Band, George Michael, Jason Donovan, Jellybean Benitez, Spandau Ballet, Beverley Craven, Barry Blue (producer of Cheryl Lynn and Heatwave's “Boogie Nights”) and Colin Thurston (producer of Duran Duran, Human League, Kajagoogoo and Howard Jones). More recently Gee was a welcome addition to the Alexander O'Neal ‘Back To Basics 2007 Tour' - a 26-date tour with Gee and Nat opening the show each night singing a range of Soul Classics and LOTW tracks. In addition Gee performed background vocals and percussion throughout Alex's show.
-> Gee is endorsed by Meinl Percussion, Hardcase (suppliers of hard cases for touring musicians) and Roland.
NAT AUGUSTIN - singer, guitarist, trombone player, musical director, entertainer.
Nat Augustin has been working with Light of the World since 1979 and has worked with Alexander O'Neal for over 12 years. In 2007 Nat was appointed Musical Director for the Alexander O'Neal ‘Back to Basics Tour', which has enabled him to combine all his musical talent and expertise culminating in a fantastic show. Nat has worked with many talented artists and groups including Whitney Houston, Lemar, Gabrielle, Shola Ama, Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce, Betty Wright, Spandau Ballet, Boy George, Rick Astley, Another Level, Shakira, Kenny G, Pet Shop Boys, Imagination, Lulu, Swing Out Sister, Chaka Demus and Pliers and many more. He had a spell as a solo singer in the late eighties and had a hit record in Europe entitled ‘Ego', during this period Nat supported Anita Baker and Millie Jackson. In the nineties he set up his own production company that specialised in writing music and jingles for television and radio, he co-wrote the theme tune to the successful comedy series ‘The Real McKoy' for the BBC. Nat's song-writing and production skills led him into producing and remixing under the name ‘Natty & Slaps', with production partner Carlton White for Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Ginuwine and many more. In Nat's spare time he entertains as a George Benson tribute act and has been the opening act for Alexander O'Neal on his last three tours. Currently Nat is co-producing the new Alexander O'Neal ‘Love Ballads' album that includes a duet featuring Mica Paris, due for release in 2008.
MEL GAYNOR - drummer for Light of the World & Simple Minds
Mel Gaynor is probably best known for his long-term association with the Scottish rock band Simple Minds, but what you did not know is his long-term partnership and friendship with his first band, ‘Light of the World'. Here Mel met his lifelong friends and partners Gee Bello and Nathaniel Augustin. Since the early 80's Light of the World have been taking by storm the London funk scene and are continuing this storm across the shores, to many European cities. In 1980 Mel quickly developed, not only a career as a drummer, but also struck a great friendship with Light of the World resulting in the recording of his first album entitled 'Round Trip'. Many changes happened quickly over the first two years with the band and saw the birth of 'Incognito' and 'Beggar and Co.'. These two projects were still a part of the success of Light of the World 's unique sound and with this the band went on to score many hits for example 'London Town' & 'I Shot The Sheriff'. Mel went on to join the band 'Simple Minds' but his roots still to this day remain primarily as a funk musician. Light of the World is still very active and Mel, Gee and Nat still remain close friends and business partners.
-> Mel is endorsed by Taye Drums, Anatolian Cymbals, Promark Sticks and Gator Cases.
COLIN GRAHAM – trumpet player for Light of the World & Jamiroquai
Colin Graham is a professional trumpet player from London. Over the years he has been performing and/or recording for such bands as Brand New Heavies, Shaggy, Mick Hucknall (as part of Simply Red), Incognito, Art Blakey (and the Jazz Messengers), Roland Gift, The Jam and George Michael (as part of Wham). Colin has also performed alongside such musicians as David Sanborn and Marcus Miller. Past production work has included Colin producing Paul Young. More recently, Colin has been performing with Jamiroquai. Colin first began playing with Light of the World in 1982, joining Gee, Nat, Mel & Tubbs for the ‘Check Us Out Tour'.
PAT CLAHAR – saxophonist
With four world tours, a star-studded C.V. and featured soloist on numerous top-selling records Pat Clahar is undoubtedly one of the UK 's top saxophonists. For over four years, Pat worked with legendary drummer Bill Bruford's Earthwork, culminating in the production of 3 albums and a live DVD recording filmed in New York . Recent times have seen Patrick collaborating with two of the most exciting big-bands on the British scene - The Julian Joseph Big-Band and the award winning Jazz Jamaica All-Stars, and a brand new project led by drummer Mark Mondesir. In addition, Pat has worked extensively with a range of well-known bands and artists including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Sister Sledge, Pete Townsend, Dave Stewart, Incognito, Basia, Jocelyn Brown, Dina Carroll, Des'ree, Mica Paris, Billy Cobham, Lulu, Jones Girls, Omar, Carleen Anderson, Bobby Womack, Maysa, Beverly Knight, Michael Bolton and All Saints. He joined Light of the World in 1999.
SIMON FINCH – trumpet player, composer, arranger, producer
Simon Finch was educated at Leeds College of Music and has been a professional musician since 1995. He has worked in both studio and live environments, working internationally with a number of artists and bands, including The James Taylor Quarter, The Brand New Heavies, Katie Melua, Emma Bunton, Jools Holland, Beyonce, All Saints, Roy Ayers, Eric Clapton, Matt Bianco, Marti Pellow, Shirley Bassey, Jamie Cullum, Will Young, Gypsy Kings, Carl Cox. Most significantly Simon has worked with Light of the World since 2002, performing live at many club and corporate events.
DERRICK McINTYRE - bass player for Light of the World & Jamiroquai
Derrick began playing classical piano at 12 years old, but after his tutor died he decided to play bass instead and the rest is history. Derrick played in the Church and this was where he really learned his craft. To fast forward he began to play professionally at the age of 25 and since then he has played with Roy Ayers, The Crusaders, Cliff Richard etc. Also recorded for Beverley Knight, Kylie Minogue, Jamiroquai, Phil Gould (of Level 42). Toured with French superstar Patricia Kaas, among others and now is the bass player for The Light Of The World.
MATT JOHNSON - keyboard player for Light of the World & Jamiroquai
Over the last fifteen years Matt has worked with many artists, touring with Elisha La'Verne as well as having a top 30 hit with the band Hound Dogs. He also produced and wrote with Sunray, releasing a single featuring Kym Mazelle on vocals. For the last five years he has been a member of Jamiroquai, written 11 songs with Jay Kay including three top 30 hits and touring the world several times over. Their album Dynamite went platinum in several countries and the recent Greatest Hits double platinum in the UK, reaching number one. Matt has also recently played on records by Newton Faulkner and Unklejam as well as producing for Julian Perretta, an up and coming artist. Matt is a welcome addition to Light of the World .
MICHAEL TAUBEN - composer, arranger, keyboard player
Born in Chicago , Michael has a Hons Degree in Music from Southampton University. He has been a freelance composer, arranger and keyboard player for many years most notably with EMI, MCA and London Records In addition to composing over two hundred titles for various production music libraries – BMG Music House, Noise Pump, Carlin, Chappell and others, Michael has written music for many TV and radio programmes. These range from documentaries about King Arthur and George III (Channel 4) to 'Vets in the Wild' (ITV), and jingles for Wonder Bra and Deep Relief. More recently he has provided many tracks for Gillette World Sports, Sport on 5 and the Martini World Cup. Michael has known and performed with Light of the World as a keyboard player, on a number of occasions, most recently at the Jazz Café, London on 22nd September 2007.
CARLTON WHITE - backing vocalist
Carlton White is very eclectic in the choice of things he does in the music industry. He has toured and been involved in studio work for various artists including Light of the World, The Blow Monkeys, Hi Tension, Katrina And The Waves, Eddi Reader, Boy George, Alexander O'Neal, Kym Mazelle, Junior Giscombe and others. Carlton, in his youth was a childhood actor and with all his talent, on and off stage, has culminated in writing for television, radio and theatre.
(source: LOTW c/o TMC Events / edited by Quentin Geerinckx )
