AVERAGE WHITE BAND (London Jazz Cafe, 24/05/08)

Although they must be like a hundred years old now, the classic “Tartan funk” act’s virtuoso grooves, Motown falsettos and peerless instrumentals still put most modern imitators to shame. The classic triple-whammy of Pick Up The Pieces, Cut The Cake and Let’s Go Round Again sent the surprisingly eclectic audience into raptures, they delivered an fine cover of Dionne Warwick’s “Walk On By” and if their occasional attempt at balladry fell a bit flat, they made up for it with obscene levels of unrelenting funk. Unlike so many retro bands embarrassingly clinging to fame (and talent) long gone, AWB haven’t tried to adapt to modern times- they just do what they do best. And by gum, they sure do it well.

(Photo: Jules2View (Flickr))