Up-and-Coming Jazz-Funk Fusion Band, Cong Fusion, Release Debut Album Jazz-funk fusion band!
“From humble beginnings, I am so proud of what the band has accomplished and look forward to sharing this music with the public. I never dreamed that – while composing at uni – those compositions would one day form part of an album.” ( Ryan McCaffrey)
Cong-Fusion is a polished UK Band with a promising future! When I heard their music, immediately I thought, these guys are on their way to the top! Their music is a fusion of Jazz and funk. Two of my personal favorite genres. Don't mean to be bias but, my husband, Andrew Sedman who plays the percussion on their new album, "The World As We Know It" is absolutely brilliant! These guys are a band to be watched! I interviewed the band leader, here's what he told me.
How old were you when you first began your musical journey?
I began learning how to play piano at the age of seven. I played classical music before studying ragtime and the blues. At the age of twelve, I asked my teacher which was the jazzier the oboe or the clarinet? I began learning the Clarinet moving onto the Saxophone at the age of sixteen and the flute. After hearing All Blues by Miles Davis studying for GCSE I was sold on jazz and went to study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for four years. During that time, I wrote some compositions and didn’t form a band to perform them until a few years later.
Tell me a little bit about your background. Where are you from and how did you get started in music?
I began learning how to play piano at the age of seven. I played classical music before studying ragtime and the blues. At the age of twelve, I asked my teacher which was the jazzier the oboe or the clarinet? I began learning the Clarinet moving onto the Saxophone at the age of sixteen and the flute. After hearing All Blues by Miles Davis studying for GCSE I was sold on jazz and went to study at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for four years. During that time, I wrote some compositions and didn’t form a band to perform them until a few years later.
What would you say is positive about being in a band?
The chemistry that unites us as a band not only musically but also bonding to create something unique is what is positive about being in a band.
what are some of the challenges you face being a part of a band?
Mostly being organized and making sure everyone is available and responds to their availability which can take time and many prompts. Also making sure all the parts are written out correctly and the band plays them correctly.
What type of music does your band play?
Jazz but with a twist of Latin funk, Afro-Cuban a drop of soul and a touch of Drum N Bass.
Who are your band members and how did you meet?
I have met my band members through different circumstances. It all began with Roberto Manzin who I was blown away by and gingerly asked him to perform in the band. The other players I met along the way while performing in various ensembles such as Urban Voices Collective various jam sessions and Funkshone and through each other.
What have people who had heard your music say about your style that sets you apart from other bands?
The main thing I get from people is that it’s complicated music but accessible. That’s what sets us apart from most jazz bands. I find a lot of jazz to be heavy and hard to listen to, but we keep the harmony and form but with interesting riffs, rhythm, and harmony. I always wanted to appeal to people who wouldn’t usually listen to jazz. I wanted people to use my music as an introduction to jazz.
Who is your independent favorite band?
Resolution 88 is one of my go to bands.
Who are your musical influences?
Jamiroquai, Lalo Schifrin, Horace Silver, Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson
How do you prepare yourself mentally for public opinion (either positive or negative)
when you’re preparing for a show?
Eyes down, concentrate on the music and ignore the audience until the very end. If you concentrate on what the audience is thinking you distract yourself from the music and can get hung up on negativity which is almost always not the case. A lot of times I start a gig and think that people aren’t enjoying it but realize halfway through they are which is encouraging but at the time can have such a profound effect on the music so it’s best to ignore them and focus on the music.
What advice would you give to new bands entering this changing industry?
Don’t give up! I’m only now releasing an album and the positive results are being recognized each and every day despite thinking I should give up at every hurdle and knock back. For example, not hearing back from venues, promoters and festivals is extremely disheartening but you learn to realize not to take it personally. A thick skin is a necessity in this industry.
What is your instrument and how many other instruments do play?
Piano, saxophone, clarinet and flute.
How many singles/albums do you have out presently?
Three singles and our album are due out on 7th January 2022
Tell me about you latest album/ song and what was your inspiration behind it? Is it out now and where can people buy it?
‘The World As We Know It’ by Cong-Fusion is inspired by climate change and is available to Pre-order on Bandcamp and Spotify.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
Our next gig is on the 7th of January on the same day as the release at the CLF Art Lounge in Peckham, London subject to government restrictions followed by a gig at Karamel Lounge N22 also in London on March 5th, 2022.
How has Covid affected you in a positive way?
It’s allowed me to concentrate on recording music which is now available to release and for that I am truly grateful. You always have to take something positive out of the negatives.
What advice would you like to give to upcoming artist?
Please don’t become despondent about the music industry. Sure, there are a lot of pitfalls and people who will take you for all you have got but the benefits of music far outweigh anything else in life. Enjoy the ride!
Just for fun - *The Indie Post pointless question of the month*
How do you make your funky P Funk when you want to get funked up?
Not sure I understand the question! But when I want to get funked up, I listen to James Brown, Curtis Mayfield, The Kashmere Stage Band The Brand New Heavies, The Getup or Funkshone!
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