CC Les Frères Smith (France)
Formed in 1999 in Paris the band has grown to 12 Afro-French members. Those that have emigrated to Paris from West Africa, West Indies and beyond have brought with them the passion and rhythm that has helped propel Les Frères to the forefront of the Afrobeat movement which fuses jazz, funk and highlife with traditional African rhythms. The leader of this movement was Fela Kuti, and his drummer, the Nigerian Tony Allen (widely regarded as one of the best drummers on the planet) has guested on their latest album. It doesn't get much better than that - it's like B.B.King guesting on your latest blues album, or singing a jazz duet with Tony Bennett.
Other collaborations have included working with Fela Kuti's guitarist Oghene Kologbo, Kokolo Afrobeat Orchestra and others.
Seeing CC Les Frères Smith live is an experience you won't forget. This date is not on their regular European tour, they are making a special visit to Kent so is NOT to be missed. They have been to the UK twice before, including a headlining evening at the Lounge on the Farm festival in 2008. It will be an exciting, powerful and uplifting evening.
External link: (click to open in new window)
CC Les Frères Smith (France) on MySpace
01634 927984
enquiries@thebargepub.co.uk
