Mamas Gun

In the organizer's words:

Mamas Gun is a five-piece band from Great Britain. Their sound moves between so-called "blue-eyed soul" and the best that the soul tradition of black music has to offer. With soul music forming the common ground between the five members, echoes of artists such as Marvin Gaye, Bobby Caldwell, Bill Withers, Lewis Taylor and Sly Stone can be heard amongst the threads of sound in their often uplifting and heartbreaking music.

The gentle but always groovy presence of drummer Chris Boot on drums is perfectly complemented by the warm, swinging bass style of Cameron Dawson, reminiscent of James Jamerson. Together, the result is an intimate, extremely musical and searching sound. Guitarist Terry Lewis' skillful handling of the guitar adds to the authenticity of the sound. Think Motown-style percussive "chanks", shimmering spring reverb, Cornell Dupree's chordal dexterity and cutting Isley Brothers-style lead sounds. Dave Oliver's profound mastery of and affinity with keyboard instruments makes him feel at home in everything from quiet jazz piano and crunchy Wurlitzer textures to booming gospel Hammond and warm, vocal-like synth lines. The longing, honeyed voice of Andy Platts sits enthroned above it all. Although he is surprisingly reluctant to describe himself as a singer, his abilities are still able to evoke deep emotional responses from listeners. Names like Marvin Gaye and Daryl Hall are often mentioned, but Platts truly has a unique sound all his own.

Mamas Gun was originally founded in 2007 by Platts, who is also largely responsible for the band's songwriting. Alongside this, he has enjoyed a successful side career as a songwriter, penning hits for Take That, James Morrison and various high-profile stars in South Korea and Japan, to name but a few. Since 2015, he has also formed the yacht rock duo Young Gun Silver Fox with cult musician and producer Shawn Lee, who have made a name for themselves in Europe and the United States.

Mamas Gun have released six albums to date, the most recent of which is "DIG!", with a line-up completed by keyboardist Dave Oliver, best known as Lisa Stansfield's musical director, and guitarist Terry Lewis, a respected backing musician who has played for Leon Ware, The Impressions and Rumer, among others; both have been with Mamas Gun since its inception; Bassist Cameron Dawson, best known as the bassist for Cinematic Orchestra, Puma Blue and Joy Crookes, who has been with the group since their third album 'Cheap Hotel' from 2014, and Chris Boot, who has worked with Alice Russell, Nilüfer Yanya and Lucy Rose and has been the group's drummer since their fourth album 'Golden Days' from 2018.