Up-and-Coming Jazz-Funk Fusion Band, Cong Fusion, Release Debut Album Jazz-funk fusion band!

Interview By: Gina Sedman

Cong-Fusion is a polished band from the UK with a promising future. When I first heard their music, "I immediately thought that these guys are headed for success."Their music is a fusion of jazz and funk, two of my favorite genres. I don't mean to be biased, but my husband, Andrew Sedman, who plays percussion on their new album "The World As We Know It," is brilliant! These guys are a band to be watched. I interviewed the band leader and he told me that he is so proud of what the band has accomplished, coming from humble beginnings. He looks forward to sharing their music with the public and never dreamed that the compositions he created while in university would one-day form part of an album.

How old were you when you first began your musical journey? I started taking piano lessons when I was seven years old. I played classical music until I became interested in ragtime and blues. At the age of twelve, I asked my teacher which instrument was jazzier, the oboe or the clarinet. This led me to switch to playing clarinet, saxophone, and flute, with the latter being the last one I learned. When I was studying for my GCSEs, I heard Miles Davis' "All Blues," which solidified my love for jazz. I then went on to study at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for four years, where I composed some pieces. However, I 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 started learning to play the piano when I was seven years old. Initially, I played classical music, but later on, I also studied ragtime and the blues. At the age of twelve, I asked my teacher which instrument was jazzier, the oboe or the clarinet. I then began learning the clarinet and later moved on to the saxophone when I turned sixteen. I also learned to play the flute. After listening to Miles Davis' "All Blues" while studying for my GCSE, I fell in love with jazz and decided to pursue it further. I went on to study jazz at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for four years. During that time, I wrote some compositions but 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, make 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 have heard your music say about your style that sets you apart from other bands? The feedback I often receive from people is that our music is complex yet approachable. This is what makes us stand out from most jazz bands. I notice that many jazz compositions can be overwhelming and difficult to appreciate, but we maintain the structure and melody while incorporating interesting riffs, rhythms, and harmonies. My aim has always been to attract listeners who don't typically listen to jazz and introduce them to it through my music.

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

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 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 your latest album or song. What was your inspiration behind it? Is it available for purchase and if so, where? 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-19 positively affected you? 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 artists? 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!

FUNKSHONE | Discography | Discogs

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