When a colleague at the radio suggested that I listen to a funk band from Bilbao, I have to admit I was sceptical. Especially when I had a look at their website and saw a group of albeit rather cheery chaps, but to be honest they did look a tad white to be playing funk, wouldn’t you say? My amazement was mixed with a certain amount of shame at my previous prejudice when I listened to their “Play It Again” album and realised that not only do they play funk, they play it incredibly well. Perfectly versed in the lessons of the greats, their musicianship is masterful, their arrangements tight and their stage presence uplifting. The sort of sound you would expect to hear in a “Blaxploitation” film from the 70s.
So good that I clearly had to have a chat with them, particularly as The Cherry Boppers have just released an 8-track record of remixes “Remix It Again!” which gives some of their already punchy compositions an added umph, if that is possible.
And they are heading out on tour across Spain this month of May (check out their MySpace for dates).

Listen to the podcast for the interview with the drummer Txeko K-Billy in Future Beats25 last Saturday 1st May at 13:00.