Grooves and Roots
In 2008 the Austrian label, FRW released Charlie's first-ever solo album. The album features Charlie's writing and playing over the years, as well as performances by numerous musicians.
Grooves and Roots starts with some recorded 'zydo-funk' tracks (a type of drum 'n bass) and progresses on to songs and instrumentals written in the seventies and eighties, notably OK Roland (written with Ian Dury) and the instrumental Software Breakdown (recorded by Juice on the Loose).
The album finishes off with some infectious African grooves and Walter Wagenleithner's remix of 'Don't fix it', which also features Ulrike Kuehlwein (Mama Oliver) on vocals.
FRW are a strong independent Austrian label, who also organize the Undisputed Peace Festivals across Europe. These festivals provide a platform for a wide spread of musical genres and bring together local and Austrian bands.
The album was launched at the Reigen Club Vienna on March 1st 2008, during tenth Undisputed Peace Festival. As special guest Charlie enjoyed performing live on stage with Original Suntouchers and also performed Don't Fix it! live with the Loop Doctors and Mama Oliver (vocals).
OK Roland
Spiritworld
'a really exciting cross-section of Charlie's work as musician and composer'
Roland Schmitt
Buy Grooves and Roots
£10.00
Masansani Club
The Equators recorded their debut album 'Masansani Club', produced by Charlie Hart, Frank Mead and Phil Scragg and available on Deep River Records, a ground-breaking Deptford based label.
The album was recorded at the band's own studio in London and captures much of the free-sprited raw energy that is their trademark. The band is joined by their guests Ashman, Billy Jenkins and Sir Eddie Real. .Soaring fiddle and alto sax arrangements are a major feature of Masansani.
The majority of tracks are originals written by Charlie Hart, Ed Deane,and Les Morgan from within the band. 'OK Roland' is a co-write of Charlie Hart and Ian Dury (with whom Charlie worked in the seventies). The remaining two tracks were penned by leading South African musicians.
And why Masansani? The Masansani Club lies on the road between Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania and was spotted by Humphrey Ocean, renowned artist and friend of Charlie Hart's from when they both worked with Ian Dury. The band approached Humphrey about artwork and he came up with the intriguing drawing which is to be found on the cover and lead to the title of the album.
Musicianship and energy are never in doubt with these Equators. They are originals and truly irresistible. This is a good time music that can fire up any party.
Buy now on iTunes or buy the CD