SMOKIN' ZONE

Let's talk a little bit about music. Smokin' Zone music. Besides being one of the two new titles produced for the Vision compilation, I thought it made quite a nice opener. It was about the only choice though, the Zone have a rather frustrating habit of producing song titles of little more than a word. Try opening an article with Stylus or Quake.

But what tunes they are! Stylus has been described as Smokin' Zone pure groove, a laid back, nod-your-head-rather-funkily sort of number. Quake, a completely different vibe, was aired live for the first time at last June's promotional gig that preceeded The Well's first CD release. I don't think the crowd knew what hit them! Full driving backing, laced with James Brown-esque guitar and sprinkled with some nicely written lyrics. Sometimes serious, sometimes humorous, and with a few hints of the band's origins. Dog and Bone? The 94 bus? London boys if I'm not mistaken.

Nathan, although very fond of our beloved capital, has lived everywhere but in the last twelve years. Steve, on the other hand, is about as London as they come. This is clearly evident in his vocal style which reflects his Edmonton roots - refreshing change. Dabbling with other rap styles and working with a harder, more street level outfit has resulted in the distinct Smokin' Zone style of vocals. It was this style which Nathan used as an experiment in the acid jazz group he was then playing with. After a successful gig, at which Steve rap intro'd the band, the partnership was born.

With such different backgrounds it is no wonder the Zone tunes are so diverse. Nathan's ability to produce original 'dots' mixed with the use of samples to achieve the rough hip-hop edge, makes it truly a hard job to pigeon-hole Smokin' Zone. Descibed as a funk/rap fusion, with hints of jazz and clear evidence of a Presley collection somewhere, you can see why. Introducing female vocalist Sarah Quist to complement the rawness of Steve's rap, not only brings soul to the recorded material but even more energy to the bands stage show. Not that the lads are lacking in vitality or stage presence. Even with a bass around his neck Nathan proves he can easily equal Steve's mic clutching acrobatics.

The Future: More gigs, as often and in as many places as possible using the same team which has been so successful in the past. The band continue to write and record profusely at the ever accommodating Well studio

Download an audio sample of Smokin' Zone Stylus, WAV Sound file (108K)
Download an audio sample of Smokin' Zone Wild Thing, WAV Sound file (108K)
Download an audio sample of Smokin' Zone Quake, WAV Sound file
Download an audio sample of Smokin' Zone Talk About Music, WAV Sound file

Smokin' Zone in Cambridge

Smokin' Zone:
Stephen French and Nathan Dawe.

The Team:
Robbie McCarthy - Drums, Sarah Quist - Vocals, Leslie Bryant - Congas, Greg Finch - Decks.
The Well; Si Burges and Dave Patrick - Engineering and Co-Production.

Word to Eddie B. and the two influences of Quake. Dave, it's not fine! Si, don't forget!
Thanks to one and all.

You are all IN THE ZONE!

Leave a message for the band through Steve French